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Background <p>Global warming presents significant challenges to the aquafarming of poikilothermic aquatic organisms. Previous studies have shown that elevated temperatures can compromise the immune function, disrupt various metabolic processes, and alter the gut microbial community composition of the Chinese mitten crab (<i>Eriocheir sinensis</i>), thereby greatly limiting its healthy cultivation under artificial conditions. Current research on heat stress in the Chinese mitten crab predominantly relies on single-omics analyses, whereas integrated multi-omics approaches are less common.</p> Results <p>This study employed combined RNA-Seq and 16&#xa0;S rRNA sequencing to investigate crabs subjected to 38&#xa0;°C, categorized into heat-sensitive (HS) and heat-tolerant (HT) groups. We identified critical molecular and microbial adaptations. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the upregulation of genes encoding heat shock protein 70 (<i>HSP70</i>), the large and small ribosomal subunits, and asparaginyl endopeptidase (<i>AEP</i>), along with the activation of pathways such as antigen presentation, ribosome function, and neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions. These changes collectively support enhanced protein homeostasis, immune surveillance, and neural regulation in response to thermal stress. Concurrently, the thermotolerant genus <i>Thermomonas</i> was specifically enriched in the gut of HT crabs, likely supporting heat adaptation by maintaining microbial balance and gut barrier integrity. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analysis indicated strong interactions between the gut microbiota and key host metabolic genes. Notably, the genus <i>Lysobacter</i> showed a highly significant positive correlation with the heat‑shock protein gene <i>HSP70</i> and a highly significant negative correlation with the metabolic gene <i>DHTKD1</i>.</p> Conclusions <p>Heat stress in the Chinese mitten crab triggers a synergistic adaptive response involving both host genes and gut microbiota. The key alterations involved the upregulation of genes encoding heat shock protein 70 (<i>HSP70</i>), the large and small ribosomal subunits, and asparaginyl endopeptidase (<i>AEP</i>), along with the enrichment of heat-tolerant gut bacteria, such as the genus <i>Thermomonas</i>. Correlation analysis revealed specific links between microbiota and host genes, such as <i>Lysobacter</i> with <i>HSP70</i>. This host-microbe synergy enhances the crab’s overall heat tolerance.</p>

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Integrated transcriptome and gut microbiota analysis reveals the mechanisms of heat tolerance in the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年8月5日

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  • Hucheng Jiang,
  • Yu Wang,
  • Longlong Fu,
  • Yanhua Zhao,
  • Runbo Li,
  • Xiumei Xing,
  • Yanming Sui,
  • Hui Xue

摘要

Background

Global warming presents significant challenges to the aquafarming of poikilothermic aquatic organisms. Previous studies have shown that elevated temperatures can compromise the immune function, disrupt various metabolic processes, and alter the gut microbial community composition of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), thereby greatly limiting its healthy cultivation under artificial conditions. Current research on heat stress in the Chinese mitten crab predominantly relies on single-omics analyses, whereas integrated multi-omics approaches are less common.

Results

This study employed combined RNA-Seq and 16 S rRNA sequencing to investigate crabs subjected to 38 °C, categorized into heat-sensitive (HS) and heat-tolerant (HT) groups. We identified critical molecular and microbial adaptations. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the upregulation of genes encoding heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), the large and small ribosomal subunits, and asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP), along with the activation of pathways such as antigen presentation, ribosome function, and neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions. These changes collectively support enhanced protein homeostasis, immune surveillance, and neural regulation in response to thermal stress. Concurrently, the thermotolerant genus Thermomonas was specifically enriched in the gut of HT crabs, likely supporting heat adaptation by maintaining microbial balance and gut barrier integrity. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analysis indicated strong interactions between the gut microbiota and key host metabolic genes. Notably, the genus Lysobacter showed a highly significant positive correlation with the heat‑shock protein gene HSP70 and a highly significant negative correlation with the metabolic gene DHTKD1.

Conclusions

Heat stress in the Chinese mitten crab triggers a synergistic adaptive response involving both host genes and gut microbiota. The key alterations involved the upregulation of genes encoding heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), the large and small ribosomal subunits, and asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP), along with the enrichment of heat-tolerant gut bacteria, such as the genus Thermomonas. Correlation analysis revealed specific links between microbiota and host genes, such as Lysobacter with HSP70. This host-microbe synergy enhances the crab’s overall heat tolerance.