Study of transcriptoma of muscular tissue of Nelore breed bovine divergens for meat quality

• Grant number: 17/04270-3
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): September 01, 2017
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry
• Principal Investigator: Lucia Galvão de Albuquerque
• Grantee: Maria Malane Magalhães Muniz
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 18/11154-2 - Identification of co-expression genes in Nellore cattle muscle tissue with divergent marbling and myofibrilar fragmentation index phenotypes, using RNA-seq data, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

Studies focusing on the knowledge of the mechanisms of genes actions are complementary to the quantitative methods of animal breeding, therefore, they allow greater agility in the identification and selection of superior animals. Meat quality traits are difficult to measure and rarely considered in breeding programs, therefore, it is important to increase the knowledge about the mechanisms of action of the genes that control these characteristics. The objective of this project is to find and analyze genes and isoforms in Nellore cattle, phenotypically divergent for meat quality. This project will use RNA-Seq sequencing data, which will allow the study of the transcriptome, that is, it will allow a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of the genes, aiming to contribute with genomic evaluations. Two groups of animals will be used, each group will have 10 divergent Nellore cattle for the following traits: myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) and marbling. Laboratory procedures will be performed for RNA extraction and sequencing. SOAPsplice software and public databases of genomic information will be used for data analysis. This project is expected to provide genomic support for the quantitative work already being done by our research group on genetics and animal breeding from UNESP / Jaboticabal and partners, generating more information and clarifications on the mechanisms of control of the expression of meat quality traits in Nellore cattle. Consequently, it will assist the Brazilian breeding programs in their selection programs for carcass and meat quality, contributing to the consolidation of Brazil in the international beef scenario.