Transcriptome analysis reveals molecular mechanism of Dosinia corrugata in response to acute heat stress

Abstract

This study seeks to explore the molecular regulatory mechanism within Dosinia corrugata in response to extreme high-temperature conditions, aiming to enhance the sustainable development of the D. corrugata aquaculture industry. To identify heat-responsive genes and elucidate adaptive mechanisms, we conducted transcriptional profiling of D. corrugata gills after 12 h and 24 h of acute heat stress. At 12 h and 24 h under acute heat stress, we detected 6842 and 1112 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment analysis revealed that co-enriched pathways at both time points included Apoptosis-multiple species, Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) signaling pathway, and Retinoic acid-inducible Gene I (RIG-I)-like receptor signaling pathway in response to acute heat stress. It is noteworthy that at 12 h of acute heat stress, metabolic pathways were significantly enriched, while at 24 h, immune-related pathways showed significant enrichment. Based on the co-enrichment pathways identified at both time points during acute heat stress (12 h and 24 h), we constructed a potential regulatory network for differentially expressed genes under heat stress. This study offers valuable insights into comprehending the potential molecular regulatory mechanisms that underlie D. corrugata's response to elevated temperatures.