Identification of reproduction-related proteins and characterization of proteasome alpha 3 and proteasome beta 6 cDNAs in testes of the giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon

► Testicular proteomic profiles of Penaeus monodon broodstock was examined using 2-DE. ► 642 protein spots were characterized by nanoESI-LC-MS/MS. ► The full-length cDNA of proteasome alpha 3 subunit was characterized by RACE-PCR. ► Reduced expression of PmPsma3 and PmPsmb6 was observed in 18-month-old shrimp. ► 5-HT administration induced expression of PmPsma3 and PmPsmb6 in 18-month-old shrimp.