This study delves into the transcriptomic disparities between the infective and non-infective phases of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) spores in Litopenaeus vannamei, a critical concern in the shrimp industry. Utilizing high-throughput sequencing, we innovatively classified samples into infective (H group) and non-infective (L group) phases based on PTP2 and TPS1 gene expressions. Our analysis identified 2057 genes, with 78 exhibiting significant variances, including 62 upregulated and 16 downregulated genes. Enrichment analyses via GO and KEGG pathways highlighted these genes' roles in cellular metabolism, signal transduction, and immune responses. Notably, genes like IQGAP2, Rhob, Pim1, and PCM1 emerged as potentially crucial in EHP's infection process and lifecycle. We hypothesize that these genes may influence trehalose metabolism and glucose provision, impacting the biological activities within EHP spores during different phases. Interestingly, a lower transcript count in infective phase spores suggests a reduction in biological activities, likely preparing for host cell invasion. This research provides a foundational understanding of EHP infection mechanisms, offering vital insights for future studies and therapeutic interventions.
Note: Based on the PCA principal component analysis results, we selected H2, H3, H5, L2, L3 and L4 as shrimp analysis samples in our study. H1, H2, H4, L2, L3, and L4 are used as the analysis samples of EHP. Less...