Omics analysis of Penaeus monodon in response to salinity changes

Salinity profoundly influences the physiological and biochemical well-being of shrimp in aquaculture, dictating their growth, survival, and overall health. In this study, research exposed Penaeus monodon to three different salinity environments (salinity 5, 20, and 30) for 62 days, which affected shrimp growth and the development of the gut and hepatopancreas. Further omics analyses revealed that high salinity levels led to the predominance of Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria in the gut microbiome, enhancing the osmoregulatory and immune functions essential for shrimp recovery under salinity stress. The transcriptome highlighted the upregulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism and amino acid processing, emphasizing the critical role of lipid dynamics in salinity adaptation. Metabolomics revealed alterations in membrane lipid composition, osmoprotectant synthesis, and antioxidative defense mechanisms, which are crucial for maintaining cellular integrity under salinity stress. Integrated analysis revealed a comprehensive molecular framework for the resilience of P. monodon to salinity fluctuations, underscoring lipid metabolism as the core of its adaptation strategy. This study enriches understanding of salinity regulation in P. monodon, providing practical insights for enhancing low-salinity aquaculture and responding to environmental challenges.