Transcriptomic Response and Molecular Adaptation Mechanisms of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Intestine Under Dual Stress of High Temperature and Zinc

This study employed a 2 × 2 factorial design to investigate the transcriptomic responses of common carp intestine under the single and combined stress of high temperature and zinc. Results from Illumina RNA-seq, WGCNA, and qPCR showed high-quality sequencing data with good reproducibility. High temperature was the core driver of global transcriptomic reprogramming, inducing numerous DEGs via activating metabolic and stress signaling pathways. Zinc alleviated heat stress by reducing DEGs by 43.2% and activating DNA repair and cell cycle pathways. WGCNA identified core modules for heat response and zinc mitigation, revealing “emergency defense” and “repair adaptation” strategies. This study enriches the teleost stress adaptation theory and provides a scientific basis for healthy carp aquaculture.