Seasonality affects key physiological pathways in Pontastacus leptodactylus during an Aphanomyces astaci epidemic outbreak.

ABSTRACT: Freshwater crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus is an indigenous European species of considerable ecological and commercial significance. However, it is highly susceptible to the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci, the causative agent of crayfish plague. Although its importance is widely recognized, little information exists on how seasonality affects the physiology and welfare of this species. The present study was designed to (i) investigate seasonal effects on the physiological responses of P. leptodactylus in relation to abiotic factors and crayfish plague outbreak, and (ii) identify the most suitable period for restocking in temperate regions. To achieve this, we characterized for the first time the mRNA expression of hsp70, hsp90, hif-1α, ubiquitin, and gapdh (as endogenous control gene), alo

SUBMITTER: Alvanou MV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12663552 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature