Investigating the differences in metabolism, and the unfolded protein and apoptosis gene responses in two strains of the Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931 (Decapoda, Penaeoidea) under ammonia stress

Abstract Ammonia is one of the major environmental pollutants in aquatic system and poses a great threat to shrimp. In this study, we compared differences metabolic enzymes mRNA expression unfolded protein response (UPR)-related genes between ammonia-resistant (LV-AT) ammonia-sensitive (LV-AS) strains Penaeus vannamei , aiming investigate different tolerance mechanisms two extreme underlying ammonia stress. The results showed that elevated concentrations mainly increased glutamine synthetase (GS) content while inhibiting transglutaminase (TG) muscle both contents were significantly higher LV-AT than LV-AS after 48 h stress ( ). As protective or adaptive strategy, UPR related genes, including activating transcription factors ATF6, ATF4, spliced form X box binding 1 (XBP1) were, respectively, either induced, inhibited ) expressions GRP78 (Bip) gene apoptosis (caspase 3) are then activated. hepatopancreas gills, associated gradually increase LV-AT, several first induced inhibited. key (GRP78, XBP1 ATF4) These indicate some involved metabolism protection tended be highly expressed LV-AT. Hence, speculate has excretion capacity more effective mechanism experimental will help further understand P. provide new perspective for molecular adaptation strategy at least .