Phytobiotics are supplemented in functional shrimp feeds due to their potential to enhance disease resistance and promote growth performance . A key target organ for phytobiotics is the hepatopancreas, which is a driver of good health and fast growth. However, information on the molecular mechanisms by which phytobiotics deliver functional benefits is scarce.
This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which a phytobiotic-based additive (Sanacore® GM, Adisseo) regulates hepatopancreas function in white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei. We compared the transcriptome of hepatopancreas of shrimp (2±0.3g) fed control feed versus 0.3% of the additive after 21 days. The transcriptome was sequenced using the TruSeq Stranded mRNA library on the NovaSeq6000 platform. Paired-end sequencing with 150 base pairs per read yielded approximately 25 million clean reads per sample, facilitating the identification, expression patterns, and enriched pathways associated with 13,022 genes. Comparative analysis between control and additive-supplemented shrimp revealed 1,556 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (p<0.05). Among the 15 enriched pathways in the hepatopancreas of treated shrimp, peroxisome, oxidative phosphorylation, and branched-chain amino acids degradation pathways were upregulated and represented by the majority of DEGs. These pathways are key elements for optimal detoxification, immunocompetence, nutrient utilization, and energy production.
It was concluded that phytobiotics regulate key biological functions that ensure the optimal functioning of shrimp metabolism and, therefore, optimal health and growth performance.