Changes in egg yolk protein gene activity and blood protein levels during ovary development in the giant freshwater prawn

Hemolymph vitellogenin levels increased gradually during the molt cycle, peaking alongside ovarian maturation.

• Vg mRNA levels rose in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph during the molt cycle, with a corresponding increase in the gonadosomatic index (GSI).
• Vg levels decreased before ecdysis, despite a continued rise in GSI.
• Eyestalk ablation accelerated vitellogenin synthesis and ovarian maturation, but did not change the overall expression pattern of vitellogenin.
• Vitellogenin mRNA expression was minimal in the ovary, indicating that the hepatopancreas is the main site for vitellogenin production.
• The findings suggest a correlation between vitellogenin synthesis, ovarian maturation, and the molt cycle.

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