Analysis of cDNA microarrays revealed the effects of mating on the ovary and hepatopancreas of female swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) during the late stage of ovarian development.

To investigate the differences in the ovaries and hepatopancreas of mated and unmated female Portunus trituberculatus during late ovarian development. This study constructed a cDNA library of the P. trituberculatus. The 113,858 sequences were obtained from the cDNA library and the NCBI database, and a total of 109,533 probes were designed for the cDNA microarray. Microarray analysis was performed on ovaries and hepatopancreas of mated and unmated crabs after six months of aquaculture. A total of 2072 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the ovaries, and 1897 DEGs were identified in the hepatopancreas. Enrichment analysis revealed two differential pathways in the ovary, including Hippo signaling pathway and endocytosis, and fourteen differential pathways in the hepatopancreas, including insect hormone biosynthesis and glycolysis. The findings suggest that during late ovarian development, the ovaries focus on efficient energy use, with enhanced foreign substance recognition and a decrease in Vitellogenin (Vn) synthesis/absorption. In the hepatopancreas, there is an emphasis on nerve signal conduction, hormonal regulation, and energy metabolism. The immune and antioxidant capacities of both tissues showed fluctuations. In conclusion, the primary purpose of the P. trituberculatus during this stage is not to promote rapid ovarian development but to regulate energy intake, utilization, and maintain overall physiological stability. This study could provide valuable insights for the optimized breeding of female P. trituberculatus during late ovarian development.