Role of in Sex Hormone Regulation and Gonadal Development in the Oriental River Prawn, .

This study investigates the role of lysosomal acid lipase in sex hormone regulation and gonadal development in . The full-length cDNA was cloned, and its expression patterns were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in various tissues and developmental stages. Higher expression levels were observed in the hepatopancreas, cerebral ganglion, and testes, indicating the potential involvement of in sex differentiation and gonadal development. In situ hybridization experiments revealed strong signaling in the spermatheca and hepatopancreas, suggesting their potential role in steroid synthesis (such as cholesterol, fatty acids, cholesteryl ester, and triglycerides) and sperm maturation. Increased expression levels of male-specific genes, such as insulin-like androgenic gland hormone , sperm gelatinase , and mab-3-related transcription factor , were observed after (double-stranded ) injection, and significant inhibition of sperm development and maturation was observed histologically. Additionally, the relationship between and sex-related genes (, , and ) and hormones (17β-estradiol and 17α-methyltestosterone) was explored by administering sex hormones to male prawns, indicating that does not directly control the production of sex hormones but rather utilizes the property of hydrolyzing triglycerides and cholesterol to provide energy while influencing the synthesis and secretion of self-sex hormones. These findings provide valuable insights into the function of in and its potential implications for understanding sex differentiation and gonadal development in crustaceans. It provides an important theoretical basis for the realization of a monosex culture of .