Gene expression profiling and identification of hub genes in Nellore cattle with different marbling score levels

Author(s)

Simielli Fonseca, Larissa Fernanda ^[1] ; dos Santos Silva, Danielly Beraldo ^[1] ; Jovino Gimenez, Daniele Fernanda ^[1] ; Baldi, Fernando ^{[1, 2]} ; Ferro, Jesus Aparecido ^{[1, 2]} ; Loyola Chardulo, Luis Artur ^{[2, 3]} ; de Albuquerque, Lucia Galvao ^{[4, 1]}

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ, Sch Agr & Vet Sci, UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP - Brazil

^[2] CNPq Brasilia, Brasilia, DF - Brazil

^[3] Sao Paulo State Univ, Fac Vet Med & Anim Sci, UNESP, Botucatu, SP - Brazil

^[4] Natl Council Sci & Technol Dev CNPq, Brasilia, DF - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Genomics; v. 112, n. 1, p. 873-879, JAN 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

The marbling rate evaluation is difficult and expensive, requiring slaughter of the animal or ultrasound measurement. Thus, this trait is generally not included in animal breeding programs. The use of molecular techniques to elucidate intramuscular fat deposition may help improve this trait. In this respect, transcriptome studies and differential gene expression analysis by RNA-Seq can contribute to advances in this area. The objective of this study was to use RNA-Seq to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in muscle tissue (longissimus thoracis) of Nellore cattle divergently ranked on marbling, in order to increase our understanding of genes involved in the expression of this trait. The results revealed 49 DEGs and three hub genes (CISH, UFM1, TSHZ1), all of them involved in insulin and diabetes mellitus metabolism. These results indicating key genes and pathways, which may help to develop strategies designed to select animals with greater marbling. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/16118-5 - Genomic tools to genetic improvement of direct economic important traits in Nelore cattle
• Grantee: Lucia Galvão de Albuquerque
• Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/09190-7 - Differential expression of genes related of meat tenderness in Nellore cattle
• Grantee: Larissa Fernanda Simielli Fonseca
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate