Impact of sublethal copper exposure on Penaeus indicus post-larvae: biochemical and proteomic insights

This study investigates the biochemical and proteomic responses of Penaeus indicus post-larvae (PL) to sublethal copper exposure. Significant reductions in total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and energy levels were observed in exposed PL, indicating oxidative stress and disruptions in metabolic pathways. These disturbances led to protein damage, lipid peroxidation, and impaired cellular respiration, ultimately compromising organismal health. Proteomic analysis, performed using one-dimensional SDS-PAGE and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, revealed differential expression of several key proteins, including guanylate cyclase, thioredoxin, nuclear autoantigenic sperm, nucleoside diphosphatase, ferritin, cyclin-T, Vasa-like protein, aspartate racemase, hemocyanin, prohibitin-2, argonaute, variant transformer-2, and ubiquitin-activating enzyme. These proteins are implicated in oxidative stress response, cell cycle regulation, and cellular defense mechanisms. In addition to highlighting the potential of these proteins as biomarkers for evaluating copper pollution in aquatic ecosystems, the work emphasizes the importance of proteomic analysis in interpreting cellular responses to environmental pollutants. These findings have implications for environmental monitoring and management as well as a deeper understanding of the physiological and biochemical responses of marine invertebrates to environmental stresses, particularly copper toxicity.