Expression of catechol O-methyltransferase during ovarian development and association between its SNP and reproduction-related parameters of the giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon

Reduced reproductive performance of the giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon in captivity prevents the potential application of domestication and selective breeding program for genetic improvement of this economically important species. Understanding molecular mechanisms controlling the development and maturation of ovaries/oocytes is essential for finding an approach to promote the reproductive maturation of P. monodon without the use of eyestalk ablation. Two kinds of O-methyltransferase (OMT) transcripts; farnesoic acid O-methyltransferase (FAMeT) and catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) have been characterized in penaeid species. P. monodon FAMeT was differentially expressed during ovarian development and its SNPs showed association with ovarian weight of domesticated adults. Similarly, the expression profile of P. monodon COMT was examined and eyestalk ablation affected its expression level during vitellogenic and mature stages. Relationships between a SNP of P. monodon COMT and reproduction-related parameters (ovarian weight and GSI) were found.