Molecular insights into the mechanism of white syndrome in Macrobrachium rosenbergii through transcriptome analysis

In China, a newly emerging disease, White Syndrome (WS), has been identified in Macrobrachium rosenbergii . This study investigates the impact of WS, characterized by systemic whitening, abdominal muscle and hepatopancreatic atrophy, and the presence of blisters. Histopathological and transcriptomic analyses were performed on hepatopancreas and abdominal muscle tissues of affected prawns. Histological examinations revealed damaged hepatopancreatic tubules with enlarged intercellular spaces , while muscle tissues exhibited signs of atrophy. A total of 191 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from the hepatopancreas , along with 233 KEGG pathways. The primary pathways associated with WS include Lysosome , Glycosaminoglycan degradation, Pentose and glucuronate interconversions, Starch and sucrose metabolism , Biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids , Sphingolipid metabolism , Steroid biosynthesis , Fatty acid elongation and Retinol metabolism. Similarly, 191 DEGs were identified from the abdominal muscle, with 203 KEGG pathways. WS-related pathways included Proteasome , Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis, and Starch and sucrose metabolism . These findings suggest that WS in M. rosenbergii may be associated with nutritional deficiencies linked to excessive reproductive activity in female prawns. This study provides critical insights for future research on WS and its management in M. rosenbergii . • Comprehensive analysis of M. rosenbergii were whitening syndrome reveals key histopathology, and transcriptomic disruptions. • Identified KEGG pathways indicate impaired carbohydrate, lipid, protein metabolism, and detoxification in albino prawns. • Candidate genes ( UGDH , EP300 , FBXO32 , BCMO1 ) implicated in WS pathogenesis provide targets for further study. • Control measures: Optimized nutrition, extended breeding cycles, and astaxanthin supplementation to prevent WS. • This study offers insights to improve broodstock management and disease prevention in M. rosenbergii aquaculture.