Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Hsp70 Gene Family of Procambarus clarkii Reveals Its Immune Role in Response to Bacterial Challenge After Non-Lethal Heat Shock

Water temperature significantly affects the physiological balance of aquatic organisms like crustaceans, and heat shock proteins (HSPs) are crucial for stress resistance and pathogen defense. This study conducted a genome-wide analysis to explore the functional characteristics of the <i>Hsp70</i> gene family in <i>Procambarus clarkii</i>. Fifteen <i>Hsp70</i> family members were identified, with several genes showing upregulation under non-lethal heat shock (NLHS) and pathogen challenges. RNA-Seq and qPCR analyses confirmed increased expression of certain <i>PcHsp70s</i> during NLHS, indicating NLHS activation of the <i>Hsp70</i> family to enhance immune regulation. dsRNA-mediated silencing of <i>Hsp70</i> led to downregulation of TLR pathway genes (e.g., <i>TLR1</i>, <i>TLR6</i>), suggesting <i>Hsp70</i> regulates the TLR signaling pathway for immune responses. These findings reveal that NLHS-induced <i>Hsp70</i> upregulation improves pathogen resistance, offering insights for addressing temperature fluctuations and disease outbreaks in aquaculture to optimize management practices.