Effects of light intensity and photoperiod on ovarian development of Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852): Comparative proteomics analysis, growth performance and biochemical

Physiological and biochemical analysis showed that the decrease in photoperiod could inhibit the growth and ovarian development of Procambarus clarkii , while the decrease in light intensity could promote the growth of P. clarkii and inhibit the ovarian development. The underlying molecular mechanism is not clear. Through comparative proteomic analysis, this study identified many important proteins involved in ovarian development and oocyte maturation, such as maltase, α-phosphate synthase, and sugar metabolism-related pathways. These key proteins and signaling pathways were discovered for the first time in the ovaries of P. clarkii . This study found that light intensity and photoperiod can control the development of ovaries and oocytes in P. clarkii by regulating the expression patterns of important proteins. The decrease in light intensity promoted the glycogen metabolism of P. clarkii and was beneficial to energy metabolism of P. clarkii . Under low light intensity, P. clarkii metabolized sugar faster and produced more energy, promoting the growth of P. clarkii . The decrease in light intensity may lead to changes in the energy allocation strategy of P. clarkii , leading to the energy mainly used for growth rather than gonadal development. The decrease in photoperiod had an inhibitory effect on lipid metabolism of P. clarkii . P. clarkii cannot produce normal nutrients (such as Glu, TC and TG), causing maturation of ovaries and oocytes to be inhibited. The results in this study reveal molecular mechanisms of the effects of light intensity and photoperiod on ovarian development in P. clarkii , and provide important information for further studying development of ovary and oocyte in crustacean. • Effects of light intensity and photoperiod on ovarian development of P. clarkii were studied from multiple levels. • Some proteins and signaling pathways were discovered for the first time in ovaries of P. clarkii . • Light intensity and photoperiod controlled the development of ovaries in P. clarkii . • Light intensity and photoperiod affected energy and lipid metabolism of P. clarkii .