Transcriptome Profile Reveals Genetic and Metabolic Mechanisms Related to Essential Fatty Acid Content of Intramuscular Longissimus thoracis in Nellore Cattle

Author(s)

Schettini, Gustavo Pimenta ; Peripolli, Elisa ; Alexandre, Pamela Almeida ; dos Santos, Wellington Bizarria ; Cravo Pereira, Angelica Simone ; de Albuquerque, Lucia Galvao ; Baldi, Fernando ; Curi, Rogerio Abdallah

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: METABOLITES; v. 12, n. 5, p. 18-pg., 2022-05-01.

Abstract

Beef is a source of essential fatty acids (EFA), linoleic (LA) and alpha-linolenic (ALA) acids, which protect against inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases in humans. However, the intramuscular EFA profile in cattle is a complex and polygenic trait. Thus, this study aimed to identify potential regulatory genes of the essential fatty acid profile in Longissimus thoracis of Nellore cattle finished in feedlot. Forty-four young bulls clustered in four groups of fifteen animals with extreme values for each FA were evaluated through differentially expressed genes (DEG) analysis and two co-expression methodologies (WGCNA and PCIT). We highlight the ECHS1, IVD, ASB5, and ERLIN1 genes and the TF NFIA, indicated in both FA. Moreover, we associate the NFYA, NFYB, PPARG, FASN, and FADS2 genes with LA, and the RORA and ELOVL5 genes with ALA. Furthermore, the functional enrichment analysis points out several terms related to FA metabolism. These findings contribute to our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the beef EFA profile in Nellore cattle finished in feedlot. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/20026-8 - Multi-user equipment approved in grant 2017/10630-2: server
• Grantee: Lucia Galvão de Albuquerque
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 17/10630-2 - Genetic aspects of meat production quality, efficiency and sustainability in Nelore breed animals
• Grantee: Lucia Galvão de Albuquerque
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants