WNT5B regulates myogenesis and fiber type conversion by affecting mRNA stability

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Animal Genetics

Background:

• The wingless-integrated (WNT) signaling pathway is crucial for myogenesis.
• WNT5B's specific role and regulatory mechanisms in skeletal muscle development are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of WNT5B in porcine myogenesis.
• To investigate the impact of a WNT5B single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on muscle development.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of WNT5B expression in obese (Tongcheng) and lean (Landrace) pigs.
• In vitro studies on skeletal muscle cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle.
• In vivo assessment of myofiber characteristics and muscle fiber type.
• Analysis of SNP effects on WNT5B mRNA stability via AU-rich elements (AREs) and microRNA interactions (miR-29a/b/c).

Main Results:

• WNT5B is highly expressed in porcine skeletal muscle and influences myogenesis.
• In vitro, WNT5B promotes cell proliferation and cell cycle, while inhibiting apoptosis.
• In vivo, WNT5B enhances myofiber thickness and increases slow-type muscle fibers.
• A SNP (c.1608 A > G) in the WNT5B 3'UTR affects mRNA stability by modulating miR-29a/b/c interactions.

Conclusions:

• WNT5B plays a critical role in regulating myogenesis.
• The identified SNP influences WNT5B mRNA stability, impacting skeletal muscle development.
• WNT5B is a potential candidate gene for improving pig breeding traits.