# Multi-Omics Profiling of the Hepatopancreas of Ridgetail White Prawn Exopalaemon carinicauda Under Sulfate Stress

## TL;DR

This study explores how the hepatopancreas of a type of prawn responds to sulfate stress using multiple omics techniques, revealing key metabolic and cellular changes.

## Contribution

The study provides a multi-omics characterization of acute sulfate stress responses in prawns, identifying novel molecular mechanisms for adaptation.

## Key findings

- Sulfate stress disrupted hepatopancreatic tubular architecture and organelle integrity.
- Metabolic reprogramming shifted from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation under stress.
- Calcium signaling and antioxidant pathways were activated to manage cellular stress.

## Abstract

With intensifying global climate change and human activities, and with regional topography interactions, soil and water salinization has intensified, posing major ecological and environmental challenges worldwide. Here, we integrated histology, transmission electron microscopy, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and data-independent acquisition (DIA)-based proteomics to profile hepatopancreas responses of Exopalaemon carinicauda during acute sulfate stress (≤48 h). Sulfate exposure disrupted tubular architecture and organelle integrity, consistent with early cellular injury. Multi-omics analyses revealed metabolic reprogramming marked by suppressed glycolysis (e.g., HK2, ENO) and enhanced oxidative phosphorylation (e.g., ATP5F1B), together with activation of calcium signaling (e.g., SLC8A1, ADCY9) and reinforcement of antioxidant/one-carbon and glucose-branch pathways (e.g., SHMT2, PGAM2). These coordinated transcript–protein changes indicate a shift from rapid cytosolic ATP supply to mitochondrial ATP production while buffering Ca2+ overload and reactive oxygen species. Collectively, our results delineate the physiological and molecular adjustments that enable E. carinicauda to cope with sulfate conditions and provide mechanistic targets for selective breeding and water-quality management in saline–alkaline aquaculture.