

FOLLOWUS
1.College of Life Science, Huzhou Normal University, Huzhou 313000, China
2.Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Academy of Fishery Sciences, Nanning 530021, China
3.Jiangsu Shufeng Prawn Breeding Co., Ltd., Gaoyou 225654, China
4.Zhejiang Guoliang Giant Prawn Genetic Breedig Co., Ltd., Huzhou 313000, China
5.Extension and Service Center for Agricultural Technology of Wuxing District, Huzhou 313099, China
gaoqx2008@163.com
yishaokui@foxmail.com
Received:04 October 2025,
Online First:28 September 2026,
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ZHOU Ziqi,HUANG Guanghua,CAI Miuying,et al.Metabolomics analysis of the mechanism underlying male caste differentiation in the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii[J].Journal of Oceanology and Limnology,
ZHOU Ziqi,HUANG Guanghua,CAI Miuying,et al.Metabolomics analysis of the mechanism underlying male caste differentiation in the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii[J].Journal of Oceanology and Limnology, DOI:10.1007/s00343-026-5386-z.
The giant freshwater prawn (
Macrobrachium
rosenbergii
) is a globally important species in aquaculture
prized for it
s delicious
tender meat and favored by consumers. Research has revealed a distinct hierarchical differentiation phenomenon among male
M
.
rosenbergii
classifying them into three morphotypes: blue claw (BC)
orange claw (OC)
and small male (SM). This differentiation has become a key factor constraining industry development. This study collected serum samples from male prawns during critical stages of this differentiation (at 100-
110-
and 120-d-old). Utilizing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) combined with untargeted metabolomics analysis
differential metabolites were identified through principal component analysis and database comparison. Results show that differential metabolites such as caffeoylcholine
glucosamine
and phosphate were significantly enriched in amino acid metabolism
ABC transporter
and nucleotide metabolism pathways
indicating that these metabolites and pathways may be involved in regulating the hierarchical differentiation of male
M
.
rosenbergii
. Further integration of 16S rDNA sequencing
transcriptome sequencing
and phenotypic data enabled the construction of an “Intestinal Microbiota- Phenotypic Traits-Metabolites” correlation model. The study found significant associations between intestinal bacteria (
Lactococcus
spp.
Achromobacter
spp.)
the host trypsin gene
and various differential metabolites. This suggests that these host genes and intestinal microbiota play important roles in the phenotypic differentiation and nutrient metabolism processes of
M
.
rosenbergii
. This research aims to elucidate the metabolic mechanisms underlying phenotypic differentiation in male
M
.
rosenbergii
through metabolomics approaches. By integrating 16S rDNA and transcriptome sequencing
it clarifies the regulatory roles of key metabolites
gut microbiota
and host genes in this process
providing an important
theoretical basis for the selective breeding and efficient aquaculture of
M
.
rosenbergii
.
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