Neuropeptide F alters expression of feeding, energy metabolism, and reproduction genes in female freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Neuropeptide F (NPF) plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in crustaceans; however, its underlying molecular mechanisms in regulating feeding, energy homeostasis, and reproduction in female prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of M. rosenbergii NPF (MrNPF) on the central nervous system (CNS) and digestive tract (DT) in female M. rosenbergii. A comparative transcriptome analysis was performed between MrNPF treatment and control groups for both tissues. We identified 545 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the CNS, consisting of 209 upregulated and 336 downregulated genes. In the DT, a total of 659 DEGs were detected, including 308 upregulated and 351 downregulated genes. Among these DEGs, 66 genes were shared between the two tissues, whereas 479 and 593 DEGs were uniquely expressed in the CNS and DT, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were mainly associated with carbohydrate, amino acid, and energy metabolism, as well as endocrine-related signaling pathways. qRT-PCR analyses were consistent with the RNA-sequencing results. Collectively, the identified candidate genes and pathways provide insights into the molecular responses associated with MrNPF treatment and may represent promising candidates for future functional studies investigating neuroendocrine regulation, energy metabolism, and ovarian development in female M. rosenbergii.