Adaptation response to salt stress in the Poecilia reticulata gut
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ABSTRACT: Osmoregulation is essential for the survival of aquatic organisms, particularly teleost fish facing osmotic challenges in variable salinity environments. While gills are traditionally associated with ion exchange, the intestine's role in water and salt absorption is gaining attention. We investigated the adaptive responses of the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) intestine to salinity stress, revealing significant morphological and transcriptomic alterations. Through stepwise salt adaptation experiments, we demonstrated the guppy's remarkable salt tolerance compared to zebrafish. Morphological analysis revealed changes in intestinal epithelial cells, particularly in columnar-shaped enterocytes. Transcriptomic analysis identified key genes involved in osmoregulation, tissue remodeling, and immune modulation. Upregulated genes included SLC transporters (SLC12A1, SLC3A1) facilitating ion and water transport, while Fosl2 and Pik3CB indicated tissue repair and growth responses. Conversely, innate immune system genes (e.g., TNFAIP6) showed downregulation, suggesting a shift towards prioritizing osmoregulatory functions over immune responses. Our findings highlight the intricate mechanisms underlying the guppy's adaptation to salinity stress, emphasizing the adaptive advantage of euryhaline fish and providing insights into osmoregulatory mechanisms in aquatic organisms.
ORGANISM(S): Poecilia reticulata
PROVIDER: GSE263966 | GEO | 2025/01/29
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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