Integrating snRNA-seq and gene perturbation reveals regulatory networks of intramuscular fat deposition in bovine skeletal muscle - PubMed
4 hours ago
- #Intramuscular fat
- #BMPR1A
- #snRNA-seq
- Intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition is crucial for meat quality traits like juiciness, tenderness, and flavor.
- Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) was performed on Longissimus dorsi muscle samples from Angus, Hereford, and Simmental cattle breeds with divergent IMF content.
- Ten distinct cell types were identified in bovine skeletal muscle, with Angus cattle showing elevated proportions of adipocytes, fibro/adipogenic progenitor cells (FAPs), and vascular endothelial cells (VEndoCs).
- VEndoCs were consistently linked to high IMF and acted as central signaling hubs, interacting with adipocytes and FAPs.
- Co-expression analysis within VEndoCs identified 40 candidate regulators, including nine BMP signaling pathway genes.
- Virtual knockdown highlighted BMPR1A as the top regulator, altering expression of 13 lipid metabolism-related genes.
- Neurocytes were most sensitive to resveratrol treatment, largely via ALDH2, whereas FAPs were least responsive.
- VEndoCs are active regulators of intramuscular adipogenesis via a BMPR1A-mediated signaling pathway.
- BMPR1A is highlighted as a potential target for genetic or nutritional strategies aimed at improving meat quality.