Integrative Analysis of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Provides Insights into Meat Quality Differences in Hu Sheep
Xiaoxue Zhang1, Liming Zhao2, Huibin Tian2
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 29, 2025
Summary
High carcass performance in Hu sheep is linked to superior meat quality, driven by lipid and amino acid metabolism. This study reveals key molecular pathways and genes for improving livestock breeding and meat production.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Genomics
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Meat quality significantly impacts consumer choice and livestock industry economics.
- Understanding the molecular basis linking carcass performance to meat quality is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying meat quality differences in Hu sheep with varying carcass performance.
- To identify key genes and metabolic pathways involved in meat quality variation.
Main Methods:
- Integrative analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics in Hu sheep with high and low carcass performance.
- Phenotypic analysis, differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and differentially accumulated metabolite (DAM) profiling.
Main Results:
- Sheep with high carcass performance showed enhanced intramuscular fat, lower shear force, drip loss, and cooking loss.
- Transcriptomics revealed enrichment in lipid metabolism pathways (e.g., PPAR signaling).
- Metabolomics identified significant alterations in amino acid metabolism pathways.
Conclusions:
- Integrative analysis highlighted the mTOR signaling pathway and amino acid metabolism as critical regulators of meat quality.
- Identified potential biomarkers for genetic selection and nutritional strategies to improve Hu sheep meat quality and carcass yield.
