Differential miRNA expression profiles in the longissimus dorsi muscle between intact and castrated male pigs
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Updated: Apr 18, 2026
Skeletal Muscle Gender Dimorphism from Proteomics
Published on: December 14, 2011
Zhaowei Cai1, Lifan Zhang2, Xiaoling Jiang3
1College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important modulators of skeletal muscle development in multiple mammalian species, but their role in skeletal muscle growth in castrated male pigs has not been well studied. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of miRNAs in longissimus dorsi muscle under castration. Our results showed that castration caused a significant decrease in serum testosterone levels as well as carcass lean mass, but led to an increase in carcass fat mass. Moreover, miRNA expression profiles in skeletal muscle were significantly altered by castration, and seven differentially expressed miRNAs were discovered. More importantly, functional analysis suggested that these differentially expressed miRNAs and their targets are involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle contractile function and fat metabolism. Taken together, these results demonstrate altered miRNA expression in skeletal muscle of castrated male pigs, and suggest a potential mechanism underlying the effects of castration on porcine skeletal muscle growth.
Insights
Castration significantly impacts pig skeletal muscle growth by altering microRNA (miRNA) expression, affecting muscle function and fat metabolism. These findings reveal a novel mechanism for castration
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of skeletal muscle development across mammals.
- The specific role of miRNAs in the skeletal muscle growth of castrated male pigs remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of miRNAs in the longissimus dorsi muscle of pigs following castration.
- To identify differentially expressed miRNAs and their potential targets in response to castration.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of serum testosterone levels and carcass composition (lean and fat mass).
- High-throughput sequencing to profile miRNA expression in longissimus dorsi muscle.
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and predict their target genes.
Main Results:
- Castration led to decreased serum testosterone and carcass lean mass, with increased carcass fat mass.
- Significant alterations in miRNA expression profiles were observed in skeletal muscle post-castration.
- Seven specific miRNAs were identified as differentially expressed, with functional analysis linking them to muscle contraction and fat metabolism regulation.
Conclusions:
- Castration significantly alters miRNA expression in porcine skeletal muscle.
- These miRNA changes suggest a regulatory mechanism influencing skeletal muscle growth and fat deposition in castrated male pigs.
- The study highlights the importance of miRNAs in understanding the physiological effects of castration on swine.
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