Cloning of Numb and its vital role in the development of Exopalaemon carinicauda (Holthuis, 1950) (Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemonidae).

This article focuses on the characterization and functional analysis of the conserved protein Numb in the crustacean Exopalaemon carinicauda, particularly its role in ovarian development. The study cloned the full-length cDNA of Ec-numb, revealing a 627 amino acid protein with conserved domains including a phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain and an Numb family (Numb-F) domain. Ec-numb showed highest expression in ovaries and at the mysis larval stage. RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of Ec-numb led to increased expression of genes in the Notch and Wnt signaling pathways, as well as crustacean hyperglycemic hormone family genes, and promoted ovarian maturation as evidenced by increased gonadosomatic index and advanced histological stages. These findings suggest that Numb acts as a negative regulator of ovarian development in E. carinicauda by modulating the Notch/Wnt signaling pathways, providing insights into molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive regulation in decapod crustaceans.