Isolation and mapping of telomeric pentanucleotide (TAACC)n repeats of the Pacific whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, using fluorescence in situ hybridization

Improved genome assembly of the whiteleg shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei using long- and short-read sequences from public databases

The Pacific whiteleg shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei is a highly relevant species for the world's aquaculture development, for which an incomplete genome is available in public databases. In this work, PacBio long-reads from 14 publicly available genomic libraries (131.2 Gb) were mined to improve the reference genome assembly. The libraries were assembled, polished using Illumina short-reads, and scaffolded with P. vannamei, Feneropenaeus chinensis, and Penaeus monodon genomes. The reference-guided assembly, organized into 44 pseudo-chromosomes and 15,682 scaffolds, showed an improvement from previous reference genomes with a genome size of 2.055 Gb, N50 of 40.14 Mb, L50 of 21, and the longest scaffold of 65.79 Mb. Most orthologous genes (92.6%) of the Arthropoda_odb10 database were detected as "complete," and BRAKER predicted 21,816 gene models; from these, we detected 1,814 single-copy orthologues conserved across the genomic references for Marsupenaeus japonicus, F. chinensis, and P. monodon. Transcriptomic-assembly data aligned in more than 99% to the new reference-guided assembly. The collinearity analysis of the assembled pseudo-chromosomes against the P. vannamei and P. monodon reference genomes showed high conservation in different sets of pseudo-chromosomes. In addition, more than 21,000 publicly available genetic marker sequences were mapped to single-site positions. This new assembly represents a step forward to previously reported P. vannamei assemblies. It will be helpful as a reference genome for future studies on the evolutionary history of the species, the genetic architecture of physiological and sex-determination traits, and the analysis of the changes in genetic diversity and composition of cultivated stocks.

Characterization of microsatellite markers in the coding regions of the Penaeus vannamei genome

In this study, an extensive analysis of microsatellite markers (Single Tandem Repeats-STRs) in Penaeus vannamei was conducted at an advanced level. The markers were thoroughly examined, characterized, and specific markers located within coding regions were identified. Out of a total of 306 STRs, 117 were classified as perfect markers based on their single repeat motif. Among these perfect markers, 62 were found to be associated with predicted coding genes (mRNA), which were involved in various functions such as binding, catalytic activity, ATP-dependent activity, transcription, structural and molecular regulation. To validate the accuracy of the findings, a sample of nine markers was subjected to in vitro testing, which confirmed the presence of polymorphisms within the population. These results suggest the existence of different protein isoforms within the population, indicating the potential of these markers for application in both population and phenotype-genotype association studies. This innovative approach opens up new possibilities for investigating the impact of genomic plasticity in populations of P. vannamei.

Genome-wide QTL and eQTL mapping reveal genes associated with growth rate trait of the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

BACKGROUND

Growth rate is a crucial economic trait for farmed animals, but the genetic regulation of this trait is largely unknown in non-model organisms such as shrimp.

RESULTS

In this study, we performed genome-wide phenotypic quantitative trait loci (QTL) and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping analyses to identify genes affecting the growth rate of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), which is the most commercially-farmed crustacean worldwide. We used RNA-sequencing of 268 individuals in a mapping population, and subsequently validated our findings through gene silencing and shrimp growth experiments. We constructed a high-density genetic linkage map comprising 5533 markers spanning 44 linkage groups, with a total distance of 6205.75 cM and an average marker interval of 1.12 cM. Our analyses identified 11 QTLs significantly correlated with growth rate, and 117,525 eQTLs. By integrating QTL and eQTL data, we identified a gene (metalloreductase STEAP4) highly associated with shrimp growth rate. RNA interference (RNAi) analysis and growth experiments confirmed that STEAP4 was significantly correlated with growth rate in L. vannamei.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the comprehensive analysis of QTL and eQTL can effectively identify genes involved in complex animal traits. This is important for marker-assisted selection (MAS) of animals. Our work contributes to the development of shrimp breeding and available genetic resources.

Integrase-associated niche differentiation of endogenous large DNA viruses in crustaceans

IMPORTANCE

Crustacean genomes harbor sequences originating from a family of large DNA viruses called nimaviruses, but it is unclear why they are present. We show that endogenous nimaviruses selectively insert into repetitive sequences within the host genome, and this insertion specificity was correlated with different types of integrases, which are DNA recombination enzymes encoded by the nimaviruses themselves. This suggests that endogenous nimaviruses have colonized various genomic niches through the acquisition of integrases with different insertion specificities. Our results point to a novel survival strategy of endogenous large DNA viruses colonizing the host genomes. These findings may clarify the evolution and spread of nimaviruses in crustaceans and lead to measures to control and prevent the spread of pathogenic nimaviruses in aquaculture settings.

Penaeid Shrimp Chromosome Studies Entering the Post-Genomic Era

Chromosome studies provide the foundation for comprehending inheritance, variation, systematics, and evolution. Penaeid shrimps are a group of crustaceans with great economic importance. Basic cytogenetic information obtained from these shrimps can be used to study their genome structure, chromosome relationships, chromosome variation, polyploidy manipulation, and breeding. The study of shrimp chromosomes experienced significant growth in the 1990s and has been closely linked to the progress of genome research since the application of next-generation sequencing technology. To date, the genome sequences of five penaeid shrimp species have been published. The availability of these genomes has ushered the study of shrimp chromosomes into the post-genomic era. Currently, research on shrimp cytogenetics not only involves chromosome counting and karyotyping, but also extends to investigating submicroscopic changes; exploring genome structure and regulation during various cell divisions; and contributing to the understanding of mechanisms related to growth, sexual control, stress resistance, and genome evolution. In this article, we provide an overview of the progress made in chromosome research on penaeid shrimp. We emphasize the mutual promotion between studies on chromosome structure and genome research and highlight the impact of chromosome-level assembly on studies of genome structure and function. Additionally, we summarize the emerging trends in post-genomic-era shrimp chromosome research.

Simple sequence repeats drive genome plasticity and promote adaptive evolution in penaeid shrimp

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are rare (approximately 1%) in most genomes and are generally considered to have no function. However, penaeid shrimp genomes have a high proportion of SSRs (>23%), raising the question of whether these SSRs play important functional and evolutionary roles in these SSR-rich species. Here, we show that SSRs drive genome plasticity and adaptive evolution in two penaeid shrimp species, Fenneropenaeus chinensis and Litopenaeus vannamei. Assembly and comparison of genomes of these two shrimp species at the chromosome-level revealed that transposable elements serve as carriers for SSR expansion, which is still occurring. The remarkable genome plasticity identified herein might have been shaped by significant SSR expansions. SSRs were also found to regulate gene expression by multi-omics analyses, and be responsible for driving adaptive evolution, such as the variable osmoregulatory capacities of these shrimp under low-salinity stress. These data provide strong evidence that SSRs are an important driver of the adaptive evolution in penaeid shrimp.

The Complete Genome of an Endogenous Nimavirus (Nimav-1_LVa) From the Pacific Whiteleg Shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) Vannamei

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), the lone virus of the genus Whispovirus under the family Nimaviridae, is one of the most devastating viruses affecting the shrimp farming industry. Knowledge about this virus, in particular, its evolution history, has been limited, partly due to its large genome and the lack of other closely related free-living viruses for comparative studies. In this study, we reconstructed a full-length endogenous nimavirus consensus genome, Nimav-1_LVa (279,905 bp), in the genome sequence of Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei breed Kehai No. 1 (ASM378908v1). This endogenous virus seemed to insert exclusively into the telomeric pentanucleotide microsatellite (TAACC/GGTTA)n. It encoded 117 putative genes, with some containing introns, such as g012 (inhibitor of apoptosis, IAP), g046 (crustacean hyperglycemic hormone, CHH), g155 (innexin), g158 (Bax inhibitor 1 like). More than a dozen Nimav-1_LVa genes are involved in the pathogen-host interactions. We hypothesized that g046, g155, g158, and g227 (semaphorin 1A like) were recruited host genes for their roles in immune regulation. Sequence analysis indicated that a total of 43 WSSV genes belonged to the ancestral/core nimavirus gene set, including four genes reported in this study: wsv112 (dUTPase), wsv206, wsv226, and wsv308 (nucleocapsid protein). The availability of the Nimav-1_LVa sequence would help understand the genetic diversity, epidemiology, evolution, and virulence of WSSV.

Development and characterization of white spot disease linked microsatellite DNA markers in Penaeus monodon, and their application to determine the population diversity, cluster and structure

Pathogens that are introduced suddenly to natural populations can potentially cause quick changes to the genetics and diversity of the host. In the past three decades, white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has caused damaging epizootics in Penaeus monodon populations. In this study, we developed WSSV resistance- or susceptibility-linked microsatellite DNA markers, and their effectiveness was validated experimentally. WSSV-resistant marker linked retroelements and genes that may have an important role in WSSV-resistance phenomena were partially identified. Allelic data of 1,694 samples from nine distinct geographic locations in India were revealed that populations from Digha and Kochi were highly dispersed, and also showed higher genetic diversity, higher population diversity, and lower prevalence of disease resistance. A very high level of gene flow was observed within all populations and a very high level of genetic variation was present within populations. Two genetically admixture population clusters were estimated in nature. WSSV-resistance has a significant link with genetic diversity, population cluster and population diversity. Microsatellite marker analysis characterized genetic divergence, diversity and structure among wild populations.

The State of "Omics" Research for Farmed Penaeids: Advances in Research and Impediments to Industry Utilization

Elucidating the underlying genetic drivers of production traits in agricultural and aquaculture species is critical to efforts to maximize farming efficiency. "Omics" based methods (i.e., transcriptomics, genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) are increasingly being applied to gain unprecedented insight into the biology of many aquaculture species. While the culture of penaeid shrimp has increased markedly, the industry continues to be impeded in many regards by disease, reproductive dysfunction, and a poor understanding of production traits. Extensive effort has been, and continues to be, applied to develop critical genomic resources for many commercially important penaeids. However, the industry application of these genomic resources, and the translation of the knowledge derived from "omics" studies has not yet been completely realized. Integration between the multiple "omics" resources now available (i.e., genome assemblies, transcriptomes, linkage maps, optical maps, and proteomes) will prove critical to unlocking the full utility of these otherwise independently developed and isolated resources. Furthermore, emerging "omics" based techniques are now available to address longstanding issues with completing keystone genome assemblies (e.g., through long-read sequencing), and can provide cost-effective industrial scale genotyping tools (e.g., through low density SNP chips and genotype-by-sequencing) to undertake advanced selective breeding programs (i.e., genomic selection) and powerful genome-wide association studies. In particular, this review highlights the status, utility and suggested path forward for continued development, and improved use of "omics" resources in penaeid aquaculture.

Comparative cytogenetic analysis of marine Palaemon species reveals a X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y sex chromosome system in Palaemon elegans

Background

The maintenance of species and the promotion of speciation are closely related to chromosomal rearrangements throughout evolution. Decapoda represents the most species-rich order among crustaceans and, despite its ecological and economic importance, little is known about decapod karyology. We aim at cytogenetically characterizing two sympatric prawn species.

Results

Analysis of mitotic metaphases and meiotic diakinesis of the common prawn Palaemon serratus and the rockpool prawn P. elegans, revealed considerable differences between their karyotypes including chromosome numbers and sex determination systems. The cytogenetic data for P. serratus showed a diploid number of 56 and the putative absence of heteromorphic sex chromosomes. However, the diploid chromosome number in P. elegans was 90 for females and 89 for males. The karyotype of the females consisted of the three largest acrocentric pairs and 42 submetacentric and metacentric pairs, while the karyotype of the males comprised a clearly identifiable large metacentric chromosome and two acrocentric pairs as well as the smaller 42 pairs. These results highlight the presence of the X₁X₁X₂X₂/X₁X₂Y multiple sex chromosome system in P. elegans, which constitute the only sexual system for Decapoda reported cytogenetically using modern techniques. The origin of this sex chromosome system is discussed. We hypothesize that the chromosome evolution within the genus could involve several fusion events giving rise to a reduction on the chromosome number in P. serratus. In both species, the major ribosomal genes were located in two chromosome pairs and hybridization signals of the telomeric sequences (TTAGGG)_n were visualized at the telomeres of all chromosomes. C-banding revealed that, when present, constitutive heterochromatin had a predominantly telomeric distribution and no centromeric constitutive heterochromatin was observed.

Conclusions

Although more comparative cytogenetic analyses are needed to clarify our hypotheses, the findings of this work indicate that the prawns of the genus Palaemon represent a promising model among Decapoda representatives to investigate the karyotype evolution and the patterns of sex chromosome differentiation.

Immune responses of whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931), to bacterially expressed dsRNA specific to VP28 gene of white spot syndrome virus

In this study, dsRNA specific to VP28 gene of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) of shrimp was synthesized in Escherichia coli in large scale and studied the immune response of shrimp to dsRNA-VP28. The haematological parameters such as clotting time and total haemocytes counts, and immunological parameters such as prophenoloxidase (proPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), superoxide anion (SOA) and malondialdehyde content, as well as the mRNA expression of ten immune-related genes were examined to estimate the effect of dsRNA-VP28 on the innate immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei. The activities of proPO, SOA and SOD significantly increased in haemocyte after dsRNA-VP28 treatment, whereas MDA content did not change significantly. Among the ten immune-related genes examined, only the mRNA expression of proPO, cMnSOD, haemocyanin, crustin, BGBP, lipopolysaccharides (LPs), lectin and lysozyme in haemocytes, gill and hepatopancreas of L. vannamei, was significantly upregulated at 12 h after dsRNA-VP28 treatment, while no significant expression changes were observed in Toll receptor and tumour receptor genes. The increase of proPO and SOD activities, and SOA level and mRNA expression level of proPO, cMnSOD, haemocyanin, crustin, BGBP, LPs, lectin and lysozyme after dsRNA-VP28 stimulation indicate that these immune-related genes were involved in dsRNA-VP28-induced innate immunity in shrimp.

A new nodavirus is associated with covert mortality disease of shrimp

A new nodavirus, named covert mortality nodavirus (CMNV), is associated with covert mortality disease of shrimp which has caused serious loss in China since 2009. Histopathological examination of shrimp suffering the disease revealed coagulative necrosis of striated muscle similar to typical histopathology features of infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV), Penaeus vannamei nodavirus (PvNV) and Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV). However, shrimp suffering this disease tested negative for IMNV, MrNV and PvNV by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Additionally, eosinophilic inclusions were found in epithelium of the tubules in the hepatopancreas and lymphoid organ, and mass karyopyknotic nuclei existed in the muscle and lymphoid organ. The tubular epithelium of the hepatopancreas showed significant atrophy. A cDNA library was constructed from total RNA of infected shrimp. Sequencing and alignment analysis showed that one clone with an 1185 bp insert (designated CMNV-7) shared 54 , 53  and 39 % identity with the amino acid sequences of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from Flock House virus, black beetle virus and MrNV. The results of fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that the hepatopancreas, striated muscle and lymphoid organ were positively reacting tissues. The mean size of negative-stained virus particles was 32 nm. In addition, a nested RT-PCR assay was developed for CMNV, and the RT-PCR detection results revealed that Fenneropenaeus chinensis, Litopenaeus vannamei and Marsupenaeus japonicus suffering from this disease were CMNV-positive.

Current status of genetics and genomics of reared penaeid shrimp: information relevant to access and benefit sharing

At present, research and progress in shrimp genomics and genetics show significant developments. Shrimp genetics and genomics also show immense potential for an increased production in a way that meets shrimp culture progress goals for the third millennium. This review article aims to provide an overview of its current status and future direction, discusses questions that need focused research to address them, and summarizes areas where genetics and genomics knowledge can make a positive difference to shrimp culture sustainability. Sustainable progress of penaeid shrimps will depend upon feasible solutions for environmental, research, economic, consumer problems, proper development, and planning policy enforcement. It is recommended that increased funding for biotechnology research and progress be directed to expand worldwide commercial shrimp culture and address environmental and public health issues. For any researcher or shrimp company member who has attempted to or whom would like to thoroughly search the literature to gain a complete understanding of the current state of shrimp genetics and genomics, this publication will be an invaluable source of reference materials, some of which is reported here for the first time.

Discovery of immune molecules and their crucial functions in shrimp immunity

Several immune-related molecules in penaeid shrimps have been discovered, most of these via the analysis of expressed sequence tag libraries, microarray studies and proteomic approaches. These immune molecules include antimicrobial peptides, serine proteinases and inhibitors, phenoloxidases, oxidative enzymes, clottable protein, pattern recognition proteins, lectins, Toll receptors, and other humoral factors that might participate in the innate immune system of shrimps. These molecules have mainly been found in the hemolymph and hemocytes, which are the main sites where immune reactions take place, while some are found in other immune organs/tissues, such as the lymphoid organs, gills and intestines. Although the participation of some of these immune molecules in the shrimp innate immune defense against invading pathogens has been demonstrated, the functions of many molecules remain unclear. This review summarizes the current status of our knowledge concerning the discovery and functional characterization of the immune molecules in penaeid shrimps.

Hyper-expansion of large DNA segments in the genome of kuruma shrimp, Marsupenaeus japonicus

Background

Higher crustaceans (class Malacostraca) represent the most species-rich and morphologically diverse group of non-insect arthropods and many of its members are commercially important. Although the crustacean DNA sequence information is growing exponentially, little is known about the genome organization of Malacostraca. Here, we constructed a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library and performed BAC-end sequencing to provide genomic information for kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus), one of the most widely cultured species among crustaceans, and found the presence of a redundant sequence in the BAC library. We examined the BAC clone that includes the redundant sequence to further analyze its length, copy number and location in the kuruma shrimp genome.

Results

Mj024A04 BAC clone, which includes one redundant sequence, contained 27 putative genes and seemed to display a normal genomic DNA structure. Notably, of the putative genes, 3 genes encode homologous proteins to the inhibitor of apoptosis protein and 7 genes encode homologous proteins to white spot syndrome virus, a virulent pathogen known to affect crustaceans. Colony hybridization and PCR analysis of 381 BAC clones showed that almost half of the BAC clones maintain DNA segments whose sequences are homologous to the representative BAC clone Mj024A04. The Mj024A04 partial sequence was detected multiple times in the kuruma shrimp nuclear genome with a calculated copy number of at least 100. Microsatellites based BAC genotyping clearly showed that Mj024A04 homologous sequences were cloned from at least 48 different chromosomal loci. The absence of micro-syntenic relationships with the available genomic sequences of Daphnia and Drosophila suggests the uniqueness of these fragments in kuruma shrimp from current arthropod genome sequences.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that hyper-expansion of large DNA segments took place in the kuruma shrimp genome. Although we analyzed only a part of the duplicated DNA segments, our result suggested that it is difficult to analyze the shrimp genome following normal analytical methodology. Hence, it is necessary to avoid repetitive sequence (such as segmental duplications) when studying the other unique structures in the shrimp genome.

A gene-based SNP linkage map for pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) are of particular economic importance to the global shrimp aquaculture industry. However, limited genomics information is available for the penaeid species. We utilized the limited public information available, mainly single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and expressed sequence tags, to discover markers for the construction of the first SNP genetic map for Pacific white shrimp. In total, 1344 putative SNPs were discovered, and out of 825 SNPs genotyped, 418 SNP markers from 347 contigs were mapped onto 45 sex-averaged linkage groups, with approximate coverage of 2071 and 2130 cm for the female and male maps, respectively. The average-squared correlation coefficient (r(2)), a measure of linkage disequilibrium, for markers located more than 50 cm apart on the same linkage group, was 0.15. Levels of r(2) increased with decreasing inter-marker distance from approximately 80 cm, and increased more rapidly from approximately 30 cm. A QTL for shrimp gender was mapped on linkage group 13. Comparative mapping to model organisms, Daphnia pulex and Drosophila melanogaster, revealed extensive rearrangement of genome architecture for L. vannamei, and that L. vannamei was more related to Daphnia pulex. This SNP genetic map lays the foundation for future shrimp genomics studies, especially the identification of genetic markers or regions for economically important traits.

DIRS1-like retrotransposons are widely distributed among Decapoda and are particularly present in hydrothermal vent organisms

BACKGROUND

Transposable elements are major constituents of eukaryote genomes and have a great impact on genome structure and stability. Considering their mutational abilities, TEs can contribute to the genetic diversity and evolution of organisms. Knowledge of their distribution among several genomes is an essential condition to study their dynamics and to better understand their role in species evolution. DIRS1-like retrotransposons are a particular group of retrotransposons according to their mode of transposition that implies a tyrosine recombinase. To date, they have been described in a restricted number of species in comparison with the LTR retrotransposons. In this paper, we determine the distribution of DIRS1-like elements among 25 decapod species, 10 of them living in hydrothermal vents that correspond to particularly unstable environments.

RESULTS

Using PCR approaches, we have identified 15 new DIRS1-like families in 15 diverse decapod species (shrimps, lobsters, crabs and galatheid crabs). Hydrothermal organisms show a particularly great diversity of DIRS1-like elements with 5 families characterized among Alvinocarididae shrimps and 3 in the galatheid crab Munidopsis recta. Phylogenic analyses show that these elements are divergent toward the DIRS1-like families previously described in other crustaceans and arthropods and form a new clade called AlDIRS1. At larger scale, the distribution of DIRS1-like retrotransposons appears more or less patchy depending on the taxa considered. Indeed, a scattered distribution can be observed in the infraorder Brachyura whereas all the species tested in infraorders Caridea and Astacidea harbor some DIRS1-like elements.

CONCLUSION

Our results lead to nearly double both the number of DIRS1-like elements described to date, and the number of species known to harbor these ones. In this study, we provide the first degenerate primers designed to look specifically for DIRS1-like retrotransposons. They allowed for revealing for the first time a widespread distribution of these elements among a large phylum, here the order Decapoda. They also suggest some peculiar features of these retrotransposons in hydrothermal organisms where a great diversity of elements is already observed. Finally, this paper constitutes the first essential step which allows for considering further studies based on the dynamics of the DIRS1-like retrotransposons among several genomes.

Evidence of multiple retrotransposons in two litopenaeid species

Retrotransposons encompass a specific class of mobile genetic elements that are widespread across eukaryotic genomes. The impact of the varied types of retrotransposons on these genomes is just beginning to be deciphered. In a step towards understanding their role in litopenaeid shrimp, we have herein identified nine non-LTR retrotransposons, among which several appear to exist outside the standard defined clades. Two Litopenaeus stylirostris elements were discovered through degenerate PCR amplification using previously defined non-LTR degenerate primers, and through primers designed from a RAPD-derived sequence. A third genomic L. stylirostris element was identified using specific priming from an amplification protocol. These three PCR-derived sequences showed conserved domains of the non-LTR reverse transcriptase gene. In silico searching of genome databases and subsequent contig construction yielded six non-LTR retrotransposons (both genomic and expressed) in the Litopenaeus vannamei genome that also exhibited the highly conserved domains found in our PCR-derived sequences. Phylogenetic placement among representatives from all non-LTR clades showed a possibly novel monophyletic group that included five of our nine sequences. This group, which included elements from both L. stylirostris and L. vannamei, appeared most closely related to the highly active RTE clade. Our remaining four sequences placed in the CR1 and I clades of retrotransposons, with one showing strong similarity to ancient Penelope elements. This research describes three newly discovered retrotransposons in the L. stylirostris genome. Phylogenetic analysis clusters these in a monophyletic grouping with retrotransposons previously described from two closely related species, L. vannamei and Penaeus monodon.

Oral administration of bacterially expressed VP28dsRNA to protect Penaeus monodon from white spot syndrome virus

We explored the possibility of protecting Penaeus monodon against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection via interference RNA technology by oral administration of bacterially expressed WSSV VP28dsRNA. Shrimp were given dsRNA orally via two methods. In the first method, pellet feed was coated with inactivated bacteria containing overexpressed dsRNA of the WSSV VP28 gene, and in the second method, pellet feed was coated with VP28dsRNA-chitosan complex nanoparticles. The treated shrimp were orally challenged with WSSV by feeding WSSV-infected tissue. The experiment was conducted for 30 days. The dsRNA-treated shrimp challenged with WSSV showed higher survival compared to control shrimp. Sixty-eight percent survival was observed in shrimp fed with feed coated with inactivated bacteria containing dsRNA of the WSSV VP28 gene whereas 37% survival was observed in shrimp fed with VP28dsRNA-chitosan complex nanoparticle-coated feed. The WSSV caused 100% mortality in shrimp fed with pellet feed coated with inactivated bacteria with empty LITMUS38i vector. At the end of the experiment, the tissue samples prepared from randomly selected shrimp that survived were analyzed via reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis for WSSV. The samples were negative for WSSV. Based on the present data and the advantages of dsRNA, we believe that oral administration of crude extract of bacterially expressed VP28dsRNA is a potential therapeutic agent against WSSV infection of shrimp.

A PL10 vasa-like gene in the kuruma shrimp, Marsupenaeus japonicus, expressed during development and in adult gonad

A PL10 vasa-like gene was isolated from the Kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus and therefore called Mjpl10. It is differentially expressed during embryonic, larval, and postlarval development, and in female and male gonads. Using absolute real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we demonstrate that Mjpl10 transcripts are present in the two-cell embryo, suggesting it is maternally expressed, and continually at low levels throughout embryogenesis. Mjpl10 expression increases significantly in the first 25 h after hatching (nauplii IV) and then decreases in a linear fashion by 316-fold over the next 52-day period. Its continued expression throughout embryonic and larval development is compatible with a conserved role in early germ cell specification. Transcript levels of Mjpl10 are also detected in the ovary and testes of mature adults.