Molecular signature of the ontogenic development of the prawn Macrobrachium tenellum

The prawn Macrobrachium tenellum shows aquaculture potential due to its well-defined reproductive cycle linked to female nutritional requirements. Significant changes occur in egg composition during the 16 to 17-day embryo development. Understanding the ontogenic proteins is crucial for developmental insights and controlled reproduction. We employed free-label quantitative proteomics to analyze egg peptides at the initial and final stages of wild females. Using the emPAI protocol and Proteome Discoverer 2.0, we identified 89 differentially expressed proteins in M. tenellum eggs. Of these, 27 were exclusive to early-stage development and three to late-stage. Abundant proteins included Vitellogenin, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, histone 4, beta-actin, and hemocyanin. Gene Ontology analysis revealed 518 terms across molecular functions, biological processes, and cellular components using the GoRetriever tool of AgBase and the CateGOrizer tool of the Animal Genome Research Program. Carbohydrate metabolism was significant in early-stage development, with glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase being the second most abundant protein. Proteins involved in ATP synthesis and cytoplasmic proteins associated with catalytic and binding activities related to primary metabolism were also detected. Our study elucidates the role of Vitellogenin in lipid transport activity and its potential involvement in the juvenile hormone feedback pathway. This pathway includes farnesoic acid O-methyltransferase and juvenile hormone epoxide oxidase, regulating protein biosynthesis, molt cycles (including chitinase activity), and potentially influencing controlled reproduction. Our proteomic analysis provides insights into the molecular mechanisms driving Ontogenic development in Macrobrachium tenellum , with implications for controlled reproduction strategies and advancements in aquaculture practices.