Integrated analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic data to evaluate responses to hypersalinity stress in the gill of the razor clam (Sinonovacula constricta)

Abstract

Salinity is an important ecological factor that affects physiological metabolism, survival, and distribution of marine organisms. Despite changes in the osmolarity and composition of the cytosol during salinity shifts, marine mollusks are able to maintain their metabolic function. The razor clam (Sinonovacula constricta) survives the wide range of salinity in the intertidal zone via changes in behavior and physiology. To explore the stress responses and mechanisms of salinity tolerance in razor clams, we collected transcriptomic and metabolomic data from a control group (salinity 20‰, S20) and a salinity-stress group (salinity 35‰, S35). The transcriptome data showed that genes related to the immune system, cytoskeleton remodeling, and signal transduction pathways dominated in the S35 group to counteract hypersalinity stress in the gill. The metabolomic analysis showed that 142 metabolites were significantly different between the S35 and S20 groups and that amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism were affected by hypersalinity stress. Levels of amino acids and energy substances, such as l-proline, isoleucine, and fructose, were higher in the gill of the S35 group. The combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic data indicated that metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids was enhanced in the gill during adaptation to high salinity. These results clarified the complex physiological processes involved in the response to hyperosmotic stress and maintenance of metabolism in the gill of razor clams. These findings provide a reference for further study of the biological responses of euryhaline shellfish to hyperosmotic stress and a molecular basis for the search for populations with high salinity tolerance.

Keywords: Adaptive strategies; Metabolome; Salinity stress; Sinonovacula constricta; Transcriptome.