Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveals the Regulatory Mechanisms of Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Response to Acute High-Salinity Stress
Simple Summary Macrobrachium rosenbergii is an economically important species in freshwater aquaculture. However, climate change and rising sea levels are causing sudden increases in salt levels in farming areas, threatening their survival and regional economies. This study aimed to understand the internal survival strategies of adult prawns when exposed to sudden high salt conditions over a two-day period. By examining the active genes and metabolites in the prawns, researchers discovered that the animals shift from a quick stress response to a systemic physical adjustment. The results showed that to survive the salty environment, the prawns activate internal cell cleaning and repair systems while changing how they use fats and energy. Most importantly, they use a unique strategy to reduce the breakdown of specific amino acids, retaining these molecules to balance the intense outside salt pressure. In conclusion, these prawns survive extreme salt stress by combining cellular protection with a metabolite saving strategy. This research not only decodes the survival mechanisms of these prawns but also provides a basis for breeding salt-resistant varieties, helping the aquaculture industry better address the practical challenges posed by climate change.