Integrated multi-omics analysis reveals variation in intramuscular fat among muscle locations of Qinchuan cattle

Abstract

Background Intramuscular fat (IMF) is closely related to the tenderness, marbling, juiciness, and flavor of meat. We used a combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic variation among Qinchuan cattle. Results The IMF content was relatively high in the meat of Qinchuan cattle bulls and differed among muscle locations, namely the high rib (15.86%), ribeye (14%), striploin (10.44%), and tenderloin (8.67%). CCDC80 and the HOX gene cluster may regulate intramuscular adipose tissue deposition. Moreover, erucic acid (EA) was found to be the main metabolite in Qinchuan beef cattle, with a high concentration in IMF. The deposition of IMF could be regulated by the metabolic pathway for unsaturated fatty acids involving EA and the ACOX3, HACD2, and SCD5 genes. In addition, differentially expressed genes and metabolites were enriched in three major KEGG pathways: purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and the metabolism of glycine, serine, and threonine. Conclusions We identified a significant metabolite, EA, with variation in IMF. Its closely related genes, ACOX3, HACD2, and SCD5, co-regulate the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids, ultimately affecting the accumulation of intramuscular adipose tissue in Qinchuan cattle. Consequently, Qinchuan cattle are an elite cultivar for high-quality beef production and have great potential for breeding.

Comprehensive Analysis of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals Regulatory Mechanism of Intramuscular Fat Content in Beef Cattle

“…For example, HACD is a major catalytic enzyme for the elongation of long-chain fatty acids, and HACD2 was detected as a candidate gene affecting subcutaneous fat deposition in beef cattle . Additionally, ACOX3 , HACD2 , and SCD5 might contribute to the synthesis of triglycerides at the cellular level . These findings provide a rich theoretical basis for breeders to focus on IMF deposition of beef cattle.…”

“…Therefore, consumers are happy to pay the high price of beef which is of the highest quality and has a worldwide reputation. Phenotypically, indigenous Chinese cattle also have significant fat deposits of longissimus muscle compared to other commercial cattle breeds such as Belgian Blue cattle, German Angus, Holstein–Friesian, and Simmental cattle. ,, For example, 24-monthold Qinchuan beef bulls had a relatively high IMF content, with differences between muscle locations as follows: high rib (15.86%), ribeye (14%), striploin (10.44%), and tenderloin (8.67%) . For instance, Pingliang Red cattle had delivered strong results in intramuscular fat deposits (7.68%) .…”

“…4,7,13 For example, 24-monthold Qinchuan beef bulls had a relatively high IMF content, with differences between muscle locations as follows: high rib (15.86%), ribeye (14%), striploin (10.44%), and tenderloin (8.67%). 6 For instance, Pingliang Red cattle had delivered strong results in intramuscular fat deposits (7.68%). 7 In this research, intramuscular fat content was remarkably higher in Japanese black Beef is an important source of nutrients such as high-quality protein and amino acids.…”

“…A study was conducted on Qinchuan beef cattle to investigate the levels of IMF in four different muscle locations. The study found that erucic acid, a key metabolite, plays a coregulatory role in the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids with the closely related genes ACOX3 , HACD2 , and SCD5 influencing the IMF accumulation . In another instance, RNA-seq and metabolomics analysis were performed on the longissimus dorsi of Pingliang red cattle, Wagyu cross F1 generation, and Simmental cattle.…”

“…The study found that erucic acid, a key metabolite, plays a coregulatory role in the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids with the closely related genes ACOX3, HACD2, and SCD5 influencing the IMF accumulation. 6 In another instance, RNA-seq and metabolomics analysis were performed on the longissimus dorsi of Pingliang red cattle, Wagyu cross F1 generation, and Simmental cattle. The results revealed that FASN, ACACA, PLIN1, and FABP4 were noticeably upregulated in the Pingliang red cattle and Wagyu cross F1 generation.…”