Comprehensive Identification of the Bovine KLF Gene Family and Its Functional Regulation in Muscle Development:...

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Molecular Biology
• Animal Science

Background:

• The Krüppel-like factor (KLF) family regulates crucial biological processes like adipogenesis, myogenesis, and metabolism.
• KLF gene family characterization is extensive in humans and mice but limited in cattle, particularly in skeletal muscle.
• Understanding KLF roles in cattle is vital for improving meat production traits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically characterize the KLF gene family in Bos taurus.
• To elucidate the role of KLF genes in breed-specific muscular development in cattle.
• To identify candidate genes for enhancing meat production through molecular breeding.

Main Methods:

• Comparative genomics and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) were utilized.
• Analysis was performed on longissimus dorsi muscle from Angus (beef) and Holstein (dairy) cattle breeds.
• Machine learning algorithms were employed to identify key transcriptional drivers.

Main Results:

• Phylogenomic analysis identified 14 KLF genes, showing evolutionary conservation and potential functional divergence.
• snRNA-seq revealed cell-type-specific expression patterns of KLFs across 11 distinct cell populations.
• KLF6, KLF9, KLF10, and KLF12 were identified as major drivers of transcriptional differences between cattle breeds; KLF6 was significant in lymphatic endothelial cells.

Conclusions:

• This study provides a foundational resource for KLF family research in cattle.
• Identified KLF genes serve as promising candidates for improving meat production traits via molecular breeding strategies.
• The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of skeletal muscle development regulation in cattle.