The genetic regulation of skeletal muscle development: insights from chicken studies

Abstract

Skeletal muscle development is a complex multi-process trait regulated by various genetic factors. The chicken embryo is an ideal model system for studying skeletal muscle development. However, only a small proportion of the genetic factors affecting skeletal muscle development have been identified in chicken. The aim of this review is to summarize recent knowledge about the genetic factors involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle development in the chicken, such as gene polymorphisms, epigenetic modification, noncoding RNAs and transcription factors, which can influence skeletal muscle development at the genome, epigenome, transcriptome and proteome levels. Research on the regulation of skeletal muscle development in chicken is not yet comprehensive and most of the candidate genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms related to chicken muscle growth remain to be verified in experimental studies. In addition, the data derived from transcriptome sequencing and genome-wide association studies still require further investigation and analysis and comprehensive studies on the regulation of chicken skeletal muscle development will continue as a major research focus.

Deciphering the miRNA transcriptome of breast muscle from the embryonic to post-hatching periods in chickens

“…Skeletal muscle development is a well-orchestrated process primarily controlled by many genes, transcription factors, ncRNAs and signaling pathways [ 4 ]. miRNAs as important post-transcriptional regulators play essential roles in fine tuning gene expression dynamics [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Chicken skeletal muscle constitutes the largest proportion and most valuable component of meat mass; its development is closely associated with the amount of meat production and its quality. Skeletal muscle development is a complex multi-process trait regulated by various genetic factors, including gene polymorphism, transcription factors, DNA methylation and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) [1][2][3][4]. These genetic factors co-operate with each other to ensure normal development of skeletal muscle.…”

“…Postnatal muscle hypertrophy is mainly associated with accumulation of muscle-specific proteins [13]. In addition to these complex cell developmental processes during myofiber formation and hypertrophy, the fine-tuned regulation of numerous myogenic genes is also important for the development of skeletal muscle [4]. Our previous study also showed that there were distinct gene regulatory mechanisms of chicken muscle development between the embryonic and post-hatching periods, based on RNA sequencing of breast muscle tissue obtained from Shouguang chickens at 12-day embryo (E12), E17 and day 1 (D1), D14, D56 and D98 post-hatching stages [14].…”

Comprehensive Analysis of miRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles during Muscle Development of the Longissimus Dorsi Muscle in Gannan Yaks and Jeryaks

“…The growth of skeletal muscle is an intricate and accurate process, including the creation of fetal muscle fibers prior to delivery and the enlargement of muscle fibers after delivery [4]. Furthermore, the regulation of numerous transcription factors is imperative for the growth of skeletal muscles [5]. Muscle-derived regulatory factors (MRFs) and muscle cell enhancer 2 (MEF2) are widely recognized as crucial elements in the growth and development of skeletal muscle, as evidenced by previous studies [6][7][8].…”