Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
07:46
Exploring the Longissimus Muscle: Unraveling its Correlation with Meat Quality in Bos indicus and Crossbred Bulls
Published on: July 12, 2024
Muscle gene expression associated with increased marbling in beef cattle
D L Clark1, D D Boler, L W Kutzler
1Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 61801, USA.
Animal Biotechnology
|April 19, 2011
Summary
Researchers investigated bovine skeletal muscle gene expression linked to intramuscular fat deposition. While some genes showed promise in a small group, no specific gene set strongly correlated with marbling in a larger cattle population.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Intramuscular fat (marbling) significantly impacts beef quality and consumer preference.
- Identifying genetic markers associated with marbling can aid in breeding programs for improved beef characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific bovine genes expressed in skeletal muscle related to intramuscular fat deposition.
- To validate candidate genes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
Main Methods:
- Skeletal muscle samples were collected from Angus-Simmental crossbred cattle.
- Microarray analysis was performed to screen for differentially expressed genes.
- Candidate gene expression was validated using qPCR in a larger population.
Main Results:
- Four genes (MYH3, HOXD10, MXRA8, CASQ2) showed increased expression in high-marbling animals in a preliminary analysis.
- Six genes (NPNT, MRC1, DNER, CYPB4, ACTN2) showed decreased or no significant expression changes.
- A significant negative association was found between MRC1 expression and marbling level in the larger population (P=0.04).
Conclusions:
- This study did not identify a specific skeletal muscle gene set that strongly correlates with marbling levels in a broad cattle population.
- While preliminary findings suggested potential candidate genes, these associations did not hold true in a larger cohort.
- Further research is needed to uncover robust genetic markers for intramuscular fat deposition in beef cattle.
Related Concept Videos
02:23Master Transcription Regulators
Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
01:13Formation of Muscle Fibers from Myoblasts
De novo myogenesis, or the formation of muscle fibers, begins during the early embryonic stages. The skeletal muscle is formed from somites– blocks of embryonic cell layers. The somites are further divided into dermatomes, myotomes, sclerotomes, and syndetomes. Among these, the myotomes give rise to muscle fibers.
Muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) are formed from the myotomes. MPCs express genes that encode the transcription factors Pax3 and Pax7. Along with Pax 3/7, other transcription factors...
Muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) are formed from the myotomes. MPCs express genes that encode the transcription factors Pax3 and Pax7. Along with Pax 3/7, other transcription factors...
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
02:35Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
Chromatin is the massive complex of DNA and proteins packaged inside the nucleus. The complexity of chromatin folding and how it is packaged inside the nucleus greatly influences access to genetic information. Generally, the nucleus' periphery is considered transcriptionally repressive, while the cell's interior is considered a transcriptionally active area.
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the timing and level of...
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the timing and level of...
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...