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Dynamic Changes in the Global Transcriptome of Postnatal Skeletal Muscle in Different Sheep
Yue Ai1,2, Yaning Zhu1,2, Linli Wang1,2
1Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
Genes
|June 28, 2023
Summary
Sheep skeletal muscle growth differs between breeds, with Dorper and cross-bred sheep showing larger muscle size. Transcriptomic analysis identified key genes and expression patterns underlying these growth differences.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Sheep skeletal muscle growth is crucial for the animal husbandry industry.
- Genetic mechanisms influencing differential muscle growth among sheep breeds are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of skeletal muscle growth differences in Hu sheep, Dorper sheep, and their crossbreeds.
- To identify candidate genes and molecular pathways associated with enhanced muscle development.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptomic analysis of quadriceps femoris muscle samples from three sheep breeds (Hu, Dorper, and crossbreeds) at multiple time points.
- Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and allele-specific expression analysis to explore gene expression patterns.
- Identification and analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to muscle growth.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in skeletal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) were observed, with Dorper and crossbreeds exhibiting larger CSA than Hu sheep from 3 to 12 months post-birth.
- Transcriptomic analysis revealed 5053 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the breeds.
- Gene expression patterns in crossbreeds were more similar to Dorper sheep, suggesting a genetic contribution to muscle growth.
- Candidate genes including GNB2L1, RPL15, DVL1, and FBXO31 were identified as potentially regulating skeletal muscle growth.
Conclusions:
- Breed-specific genetic factors significantly influence sheep skeletal muscle development and growth performance.
- Transcriptomic profiling provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle hypertrophy in sheep.
- The identified candidate genes offer potential targets for improving muscle growth in sheep through breeding strategies.
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