Correlation Analysis between AK1 mRNA Expression and Inosine Monophosphate Deposition in Jingyuan Chickens

In this study, we examined correlations between the deposition of inosine monophosphate (IMP) and mRNA expression of the adenylate kinase 1 (AK1) gene in Jingyuan chicken. The IMP content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Transcriptome sequencing was used to screen the differentially expressed gene AK1 and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the expression level of AK1 mRNA associated with IMP synthesis. IMP and inosine content in the breast muscles of both Jingyuan cocks and hens was found to be significantly higher than that in the leg muscles. Similarly, the expression of AK1 mRNA in the breast muscles of cocks and hens was significantly higher than that in the leg muscles. Moreover, AK1 mRNA expression in cock breast muscles was negatively correlated with IMP content, whereas its expression in cock leg muscles was positively correlated with IMP content. In contrast, the expression of AK1 mRNA in hen breast and leg muscles was significantly positively correlated with IMP content. These findings provide a scientific basis for enhancing the meat flavor of Jingyuan chicken and promoting the development and utilization of local variety resources, as well as constituting a basis for screening IMP-regulated genes. Our study will advance our current understanding of AK1 function.