# Non-lethal heat shock unlocks SOD gene family diversity for enhanced bacterial resistance in Procambarus clarkii

## TL;DR

A study finds that non-lethal heat shock boosts bacterial resistance in Procambarus clarkii by activating SOD genes and stress response pathways.

## Contribution

The study reveals a novel SOD-ERS stress response mechanism in crustaceans triggered by heat shock pretreatment.

## Key findings

- Five PcSOD genes show structural diversity and tissue-specific expression patterns.
- Heat shock pretreatment modulates PcSOD gene expression timing and intensity under bacterial challenge.
- PcSOD genes correlate with ERS-related genes in hemocytes after heat shock and bacterial exposure.

## Abstract

Oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) are critical for crustaceans’ stress responses. Genome-wide identification of superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes in Procambarus clarkia is essential for understanding its stress adaptation and aquaculture disease control.

Five PcSOD genes were identified, with analyses of their structure, motif, chromosomal distribution and phylogeny. Their tissue-specific expression, expression under Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge, correlation with ERS-related genes, and changes in T-AOC/SOD activity were detected, along with the effect of heat shock pretreatment.

PcSOD genes showed structural diversity and tissue specificity, with time-dependent expression under bacterial challenge. Heat shock pretreatment regulated their expression timing and intensity. Significant correlations between PcSOD and ERS genes were observed in hemocytes under NLHS + V. parahaemolyticus treatment, supported by NLHS-induced Hsp70.

These findings suggest a potential coordinated SOD-ERS response in P. clarkia, providing insights for aquaculture disease control strategies.