Molecular mechanisms of Mmd2 gene in regulating growth of the Pacific white shrimp .

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Growth of the Pacific white shrimp , the most important farmed crustacean, has consistently been a focal point for breeders. Over the past decades, some candidate genes for shrimp growth have been identified. However, further research is needed to elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanism of these genes. was previously identified as a candidate gene that may inhibit the growth of . In this study, we analyzed the genotype and expression of the gene in a breeding family and indicated its role as a growth-inhibiting gene. We found that LvMmd2 co-localized with its homolog LvPAQR3 at the Golgi apparatus. Using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and DUAL membrane system yeast two-hybrid (MbY2H), we indicated the interactions between LvMmd2 and LvPAQR3, LvPAQR3 and LvRaf1, as well as LvMmd2 and LvRho. These results suggest that directly and indirectly regulates the Ras signaling pathway. Furthermore, we show that the gene may indirectly affect the PI3K/AKT, insulin, and Hippo signaling pathways to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation via LvPAQR3 and LvRaf1. Through transcriptome and MbY2H analyses, we have also revealed the interaction between LvMmd2 and proteins involved in growth, immunity, protein transport, synthesis, and modification. These findings demonstrate the various molecular pathways through which regulates growth. This study provides insights into the mechanism of shrimp growth regulated by , enhances our understanding of function, and highlights its potential application in shrimp breeding.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-024-00273-7.