Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2025
10:22
Author Spotlight: Investigating mRNA Spatial Distribution in Drosophila Muscle Tissue
Published on: September 8, 2023
1.5K
Transcriptome Profiling Identifies Differentially Expressed Genes in Skeletal Muscle Development in Native Chinese
Yuchen Zhang1, Yinglin Lu1, Minli Yu1
1Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
Genes
|January 23, 2024
Summary
This study analyzed duck muscle development by sequencing gene expression in Pekin and Jinling White ducks and their hybrids. Key genes and pathways involved in skeletal muscle growth were identified in 14-day-old embryos.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genomics
- Developmental Biology
- Comparative Genomics
Background:
- China possesses diverse indigenous duck species with valuable economic traits.
- Understanding duck muscle development is crucial for optimizing meat production and breeding strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gene expression patterns during embryonic skeletal muscle development in Pekin and Jinling White ducks and their crosses.
- To identify key genes and molecular pathways influencing muscle growth in ducks.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome sequencing of breast muscle tissue from four duck groups: Pekin, Jinling White, and reciprocal crosses (PJ and JP).
- Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and network prediction.
- Functional enrichment analysis of identified genes and pathways.
Main Results:
- Identified 5053 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across the four duck groups.
- Ribosome and oxidative phosphorylation pathways were highly enriched.
- Genes like FN1, AGRN, ADNAMST3, APOB, and FGF9 were implicated in muscle development at 14 days of embryonic age.
Conclusions:
- Skeletal muscle development in duck embryos involves enriched genes related to molecular function, cell components, and signaling pathways (Hippo, ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation).
- Muscle metabolism and myoglobin synthesis likely play significant roles in skeletal muscle development in both parent ducks and their hybrids.
