Multi-Omics Integration Identifies Key Pathways and Regulatory Genes Driving Marbling Formation and Meat Quality in
Lutao Gao1,2,3, Lilian Zhang1,2,3, Jian Chen1,2,3
1College of Big Data, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Yunling cattle exhibit superior meat marbling due to distinct molecular mechanisms. Integrated multi-omics analysis reveals key genes and metabolites regulating intramuscular fat (IMF) formation, offering targets for beef quality improvement.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Genomics
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Intramuscular fat (IMF) or marbling is crucial for beef quality, influencing sensory attributes and nutritional value.
- Yunling (YL) cattle, an indigenous Chinese breed, are known for exceptional marbling, but the genetic basis is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying superior marbling in Yunling cattle.
- To compare multi-omics profiles (transcriptomic, lipidomic, metabolomic) of Yunling cattle with Angus (AGS) and Simmental (XMTE) breeds.
Main Methods:
- Integrated analysis of transcriptomics, lipidomics, and amino acid metabolomics in the longissimus dorsi muscle.
- Differential gene expression analysis, pathway enrichment (PI3K-Akt, MAPK, oxidative phosphorylation), and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA).
Main Results:
- Identified significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and distinct lipid profiles in Yunling cattle.
- Found lower levels of Beta-Alanine and L-Aspartic acid in Yunling cattle compared to Simmental.
- WGCNA revealed gene-metabolite networks linking energy metabolism and signal transduction genes (e.g., NDUFB1, COX7C, IDH3B, ITGB3, PDGFRA, FN1) to marbling.
Conclusions:
- Yunling cattle possess unique molecular pathways regulating marbling formation.
- Specific genes and metabolites identified provide a foundation for genetic improvement of beef quality in cattle.
- Findings offer potential molecular targets for enhancing marbling and nutritional value in other indigenous cattle breeds.
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