Multi-omics profiling reveals the lipid metabolism during gonadal maturation in male Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Well-developed gonads determine the edible quality and progeny quality of the Chinese mitten crabs ( Eriocheir sinensis ). However, there are fewer studies on gonad development in male crabs. To investigate the physiological changes during gonadal maturation in male crabs, we combined multi-omics to dissect metabolic modifications during gonadal development using immature male crabs (191.67 ± 7.97 g) as a control and males that had undergone fattening as a treatment group. The result reveal PE(18:1(9Z)/0:0), L-a-Lysophosphatidylserine, PC(16:1(9Z)/18:2(9Z,12Z)), pregnanetriol and Alpinumisoflavone were selected as key markers during gonadal development. Additionally, lipid transport was considered the dominant metabolic difference. Specifically, mature gonads were characterized by higher phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and fewer triglycerides (TGs). Correlation analysis on differential lipids (DLMs) uncovered lipid regulation engaged in gonadal maturation in the male crab. A comparison of differential metabolites from the hepatopancreas in the same cohort demonstrated that hepatopancreas-mediated PCs were involved in the lipid orchestration of gonadal development. Based on transcriptome analysis, we identified that gonadal development enhanced meiosis ( spdya-a , aurka-a , espl1 , cdk1 and smc1ad ), stimulated the endocrine system ( atp1a1 , pfk , ppp2r3a , and cox7a ), and decreased energy metabolism (AMPK signaling). Combined with correlation analysis between transcriptome and lipidome revealed lipids modulated physiological changes in the gonads. These findings contribute to the precise nutritional management of gonadal maturation in E. sinensis to improve quality of the gonads of male crab. • Gonadal development triggered lipid changes in the gonads of male E. sinensis . • Gonadal maturation in male E. sinensis improved lipid orchestration. • PCs in the hepatopancreas mediated gonadal maturation in male E. sinensis . • Lipid metabolism regulated physiological changes during gonadal development.