An eyestalk-enriched GATA factor (NdGATA123c) modulates photosensitivity and molting in Neocaridina denticulata sinensis

GATA proteins are a class of important transcription factors with conserved zinc finger domains, playing essential roles in developmental regulation and tissue homeostasis in animals. However, the molecular characteristics and in-depth functional studies of the GATA family members in crustaceans are still lacking. In this study, we identified a cumulative total of 67 GATA genes across the 12 crustacean genomes, with most species harboring 5-6 members. Comparative analysis showed that the analyzed crustacean GATA genes exhibited clustered chromosomal distribution and highly conserved GATA-type zinc-finger domains. The expression profiles of GATAs in Neocaridina denticulata sinensis (NdGATAs) across different tissues showed that NdGATA123c was the only NdGATA gene highly expressed in the eyestalk. Through RNA interference and transcriptome sequencing, knockdown of NdGATA123c in the eyestalk led to the upregulation of multiple cuticle protein genes and disrupted the homeostasis of pathways associated with visual signaling, endocrine regulation, and intracellular signal transduction. These molecular changes were associated with altered phototactic responses to red and green light during the early stage of illumination, abnormal pigment granule arrangement in the ommatidia, and prolongation of the molting cycle. Together, these results suggest that NdGATA123c, as an eyestalk-enriched GATA zinc-finger transcription factor, may contribute to the maintenance of local signaling homeostasis linked to visual adaptation and molting rhythm in N. denticulata sinensis. This study provides new insights into the evolution and functional differentiation of GATA transcription factors in crustaceans.