利用WGCNA挖掘秦川牛肉质性状关键基因及代谢物

doi:10.1016/j.jia.2024.07.044

摘要/Abstract

摘要：

探究影响牛肉品质的遗传因素和代谢物分子对提高牛肉品质和满足消费者需求至关重要。肉牛不同部位的肉质特点差异很大，价格也有所不同。因此，本研究旨在评价秦川牛四个不同部位（里脊、外脊、上脑和眼肌）的10个肉质性状，包括总蛋白含量（TPC）、肌内脂肪含量（IMF）、游离脂肪酸 (NEFA)、肉色（L*、a* 和 b*）、剪切力 (SF)、蒸煮损失 (CL)、屠宰后0小时pH（pH0）和屠宰后24小时pH（pH24）。进一步进行转录组和代谢组测序分析，采用加权共表达网络分析（WGCNA）方法探索与性状相关的基因和代谢物模块，构建蛋白-蛋白互作网络（PPI），筛选关键基因和代谢物，以及共同富集的KEGG通路。我们筛选到了3个与肌内脂肪含量（IMF）相关的关键基因（NDUFAB1、NDUFA12和NDUFB7），3个与游离脂肪酸（NEFA）相关的关键基因（CSRP3、ACAA3和ACADVL），1个与肉色相关的关键基因（CREBBP）。本研究为揭示牛不同肌肉部位的差异提供了新的视角，下一步基于本研究筛选到的基因和通路开展深入研究，将有助于改善牛肉品质。

Abstract:

Understanding the genetic and metabolic elements that impact meat quality is crucial to improving production and meeting consumer demands in the beef sector. Differences in meat quality among various muscle areas in beef cattle can impact pricing in the market. Despite progress in genomics, the specific genes and metabolites that affect meat quality characteristics in Qinchuan cattle remain inadequately understood. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the meat quality characteristics of four specific muscle locations (tenderloin, striploin, high rib, and ribeye muscles) in Qinchuan bulls, including 10 traits (total protein content (TPC), intramuscular fat (IMF), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), meat color (L*, a*, and b*), shear force (SF), cooking loss (CL), pH₀, and pH₂₄). This experiment uses transcriptome, metabolome sequencing, and sophisticated analytical methodologies such as weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein–protein interaction networks (PPI) to identify the key genes and metabolites associated with specific traits. The findings highlight three notable genes (NDUFAB1, NDUFA12, and NDUFB7) linked to intramuscular fat (IMF), three key genes (CSRP3, ACAA3, and ACADVL) correlated with non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and one crucial gene (CREBBP) influencing meat color. In conclusion, this investigation offers a new perspective on the differences in bovine muscle locations and contributes to the molecular understanding of bovine meat quality. Future research endeavors could delve deeper into the identified genes and pathways to enhance beef cattle’s quality and yield.

Key words: meat quality performance , WGCNA , cattle , transcriptome , metabolome

Hengwei Yu, Zhimei Yang, Jianfang Wang, Huaxuan Li, Xuefeng Li, Entang Liang, Chugang Mei, Linsen Zan. 利用WGCNA挖掘秦川牛肉质性状关键基因及代谢物[J]. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2024, 23(11): 3923-3937.

Hengwei Yu, Zhimei Yang, Jianfang Wang, Huaxuan Li, Xuefeng Li, Entang Liang, Chugang Mei, Linsen Zan. Identification of key genes and metabolites involved in meat quality performance in Qinchuan cattle by WGCNA[J]. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2024, 23(11): 3923-3937.

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