Comparative Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveals the Regulatory Mechanism of Feed Conversion Efficiency in Spotted Knifejaw (Oplegnathus punctatus).

Feng Chen, Bowen Yang, Junwei Zhang, Wensheng Li, Qingbin Wang, Songlin Chen, Jiajie Zhu, Qian Zhou

Abstract readComparative Study

In one paragraph

Article in Marine biotechnology (New York, N.Y.), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

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8 authors.

Feng ChenGuangxi Key Laboratory of Polysaccharide Materials and Modification, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, 530006, Guangxi, China.

Bowen YangState Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.

Junwei ZhangState Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.

Wensheng LiLaizhou Mingbo Aquatic Product Co. Ltd, Laizhou, 264000, Shandong, China.

Qingbin WangLaizhou Mingbo Aquatic Product Co. Ltd, Laizhou, 264000, Shandong, China.

Songlin ChenState Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.

Jiajie ZhuGuangxi Key Laboratory of Polysaccharide Materials and Modification, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, 530006, Guangxi, China. 20220190@gxmzu.edu.cn.

Qian ZhouFisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, Fujian, China. zhouqian@jmu.edu.cn.

Funding

Guangxi Minzu University High-Level Talent Introduction Program 20220190Scientific Research Start-up Fund for Introduced High-level Talents of Jimei University ZQ2025038

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

The spotted knifejaw (Oplegnathus punctatus) is an economically valuable marine fish in aquaculture in China. However, the feed cost has become a bottleneck constraining the commercial benefit. Improving the feed conversion efficiency (FCE) is one of the key pathways to reduce the feed cost, yet the regulatory mechanisms underlying the FCE trait remain unclear. Here, we measured the FCE and conducted comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses between fish groups with high and low FCE. Through transcriptomic profiling of muscle tissues, we identified 297 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which are significantly enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and circadian rhythm pathway, indicating that these pathways may play important roles in the regulation of FCE. The downregulation of the ECM genes (e.g., col11a1, dcn, matn2, spon2 and mmp14) indicated the synthesis process of ECM might be attenuated through transcriptional regulation. Upregulation of acly and sds gene transcription points to optimized metabolic efficiency, securing energy for protein deposition. The metabolomic analysis identified 80 differential metabolites (DMs) such as proline (Pro), histidine (His), valine (Val),etc. These DMs were significantly enriched in aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, which implies the high feed conversion efficiency (HFCE) group has a potential increase in free amino acids and protein synthesis. Integrated analysis revealed that protein turnover and amino acid metabolism were significantly enriched at both omics levels. In addition, glutaminase 2 (gls2) gene and succinate were identified as the key regulatory nodes, which may influence the allocation of amino acid substrates to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle by inhibiting glutaminolysis. These preliminary results provide exploratory insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying FCE and lay an initial theoretical foundation for artificial selective breeding of HFCE spotted knifejaw.

Indexed as

Animal FeedMetabolomePerciformesTranscriptomeAnimalsAquacultureExtracellular MatrixFish ProteinsGene Expression ProfilingMetabolomicsFish ProteinsFeed conversion efficiencyMetabolomeMuscleOplegnathus punctatusTranscriptome

Identifiers

PMID42008027

DOI10.1007/s10126-026-10614-5

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