Deep transcriptome sequencing reveals differences in global gene expression between normal and pale, soft, and...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Molecular Biology
• Food Science

Background:

• Pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) meat is a significant poultry meat quality defect.
• Previous studies indicated differential gene expression in PSE turkey, but underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify molecular mechanisms responsible for PSE turkey meat etiology.
• To compare transcriptome profiles of normal and PSE turkey breast muscle using deep RNA sequencing.

Main Methods:

• RNA was isolated from normal and PSE turkey breast muscle (n=4 each) based on marinade uptake.
• Deep transcriptome sequencing was performed using the Illumina GA(IIX) platform.
• Differential gene expression analysis and pathway analysis were conducted; results were validated by quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblot analysis.

Main Results:

• 494 differentially expressed loci were identified between normal and PSE turkey breast muscle (FDR < 0.05).
• Pathway analysis indicated abnormalities in calcium homeostasis, actin cytoskeleton regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, and energy production in PSE samples.
• Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, isozyme 4 (PDK4) mRNA was significantly downregulated, with decreased protein levels observed in PSE turkey.

Conclusions:

• Differential gene expression significantly contributes to the development of PSE turkey meat.
• Altered calcium signaling, cytoskeleton dynamics, and energy metabolism are key molecular events in PSE meat formation.
• Dysregulation of postmortem glucose oxidation, exemplified by PDK4 downregulation, plays a role in PSE turkey etiology.