Mechanisms of Diapause in Major Crustacean Taxa: Environmental Cues, Gene Regulation, and Adaptive Strategies

Abstract

Simple Summary Diapause is a regulated dormancy state utilized by numerous crustaceans to survive harsh environmental conditions such as salinity fluctuations, food scarcity, and extreme temperatures. During diapause, both development and metabolism are minimized until favorable conditions reemerge. This overview summarizes the current understanding of the environmental cues governing diapause, molecular and physiological mechanisms involved, and variations among the primary crustacean groups. It also assesses recent advancements in genomic, transcriptomic, and other molecular techniques that have enriched our comprehension of diapause regulation, while highlighting significant knowledge gaps that require attention. Enhancing our knowledge of crustacean diapause will not only aid in understanding their adaptation to environmental changes but also prove beneficial in biodiversity conservation, aquaculture, and ecosystem management.