MicroRNA biogenesis pathway from the salmon louse (Caligus rogercresseyi): Emerging role in delousing drug response

Despite the increasing evidence of the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of multiple biological processes, the molecular bases supporting this regulation are still barely understood in crustaceans. Therefore, the molecular characterization and transcriptome modulation of the miRNA biogenesis pathway were evaluated in the salmon louse Caligus rogercresseyi, an ectoparasite that constitutes one of the biggest concerns for salmonid aquaculture industry. Hence, RNA-Seq analysis was conducted from six different developmental stages, and also after bioassays with delousing drugs Deltamethrin and Azamethiphos using adult individuals. In silico analysis evidenced 24 putative genes involved in the miRNA pathway such as biogenesis, transport, maturation and miRNA-target interaction. Moreover, 243 putative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, 15 of which showed non-synonym mutations. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that CCR4-Not complex subunit 3 (CNOT3) was upregulated at earlier developmental stages (nauplius I-II and copepodid), and also after the exposure to Azamethiphos, but not to Deltamethrin. In contrast, the subunit 7 (CNOT7) showed an inverse expression pattern. Different Argonaute transcripts were associated to chalimus and adult stages, revealing specific expression patterns in response to antiparasitic drugs. Our results suggest novel insights into the regulatory network of the post-transcriptional gene regulation in C. rogercresseyi mediated by miRNAs, evidencing a putative role during the ontogeny and drug response.