Transcriptomic response in the brain of Heteropneustes fossilis, under systemic Aeromonas hydrophila infection

In this study, we conducted an in-depth investigation into the molecular mechanisms activated in the brain of Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch,1794) during systemic Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Using a de novo RNA seq strategy selected due to the absence of a complete reference genome. We generated a high-quality RNA seq assembly that enabled unbiased discovery of transcriptional changes. Our analysis centered specifically on the interplay between neuroendocrine regulation, immune activation, and stress-responsive pathways. By characterizing differential gene expression across these functional domains, we highlight how the brain orchestrates endocrine modulation, neuroendocrine immune crosstalk, and adaptive stress signalling during pathogenic challenge. This integrated view provides deeper insight into the central regulatory roles of the teleost brain in shaping systemic host responses to bacterial infection.

本研究深入探究了嗜水气单胞菌（Aeromonas hydrophila）全身性感染过程中，化石异囊鲶（Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794)）脑内激活的分子机制。由于缺乏完整的参考基因组，我们采用了从头转录组测序（de novo RNA-seq）策略。我们构建了高质量的转录组组装结果，实现了对转录组变化的无偏发掘。本研究的分析重点聚焦于神经内分泌调控、免疫激活与应激响应通路之间的互作关系。通过解析这些功能域内的差异基因表达特征，我们阐明了病原菌侵染过程中，硬骨鱼（teleost）脑如何协调内分泌调控、神经内分泌-免疫串扰以及适应性应激信号通路的运作。这一整合视角为深入理解硬骨鱼脑在调控宿主全身性细菌感染应答过程中的核心调控作用提供了全新洞见。