Captive maturation studies in Penaeus monodon by GIH silencing using constitutively expressed long hairpin RNA

Induction of captive maturation has been a challenge for shrimp industry. The seed production is often hampered by the low abundance and high price of naturally collected broodstock. Collection of natural brooders also has the intrinsic problem of WSSV infection. Also, genetic improvement of this highly preferred species is difficult unless the reproductive cycle is closed. For all these reasons it is important to study the reproductive physiology and endocrinology of this species and ways to manipulate it in order to induce captive maturation. The present study utilizes the RNA interference mechanism to silence the gonad-inhibiting hormone gene to see its effect on maturation.