Abstract
Myostatin (MSTN) negatively regulates muscle development and positively regulates metabolism through various pathways. Although MSTN function in cattle has been widely studied, the changes in the gut microbiota due to MSTN mutation, which contribute to host health by regulating its metabolism, remain unclear. Here, high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was conducted to analyze the gut microbiota of wild-type (WT) and MSTN mutant (MT) cattle. A total of 925 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained, which were classified into 11 phyla and 168 genera. Alpha diversity results showed no significant differences between MT and WT cattle. Beta diversity analyses suggested that the microbial composition of WT and MT cattle was different. Three dominant phyla and 21 dominant genera were identified. The most abundant bacterial genus had a significant relationship with the host metabolism. Moreover, various bacteria beneficial for health were found in the intestines of MT cattle. Analysis of the correlation between dominant gut bacteria and serum metabolic factors affected by MSTN mutation indicated that MSTN mutation affected the metabolism mainly by three metabolism-related bacteria, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010. This study provides further insight into MSTN mutation regulating the host metabolism by gut microbes and provides evidence for the safety of gene-edited animals.
Highlights
A total of 501,216 effective sequences were acquired from the six cattle, with 76,939–111,650 effective sequences and 961 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from each sample
MSTN mutation had no remarkable influence on the diversity and richness of the gut microbiota in Luxi cattle
MSTN mutation influenced the composition of gut microbiota
Summary
Yellow cattle are a characteristic resource of China, having 52 breeds, of which Qinchuan, Luxi, Nanyang, Jinnan, and Yanbian cattle have been domesticated and bred for thousands of years. They contain rich genetic resources and have rough feeding tolerance, strong stress resistance ability, strong adaptability, and tender meat. Due to their long-term use as service cattle, common defects in these cattle, such as slow growth rate, underdeveloped reardrive, slow fattening, weight gain, and low carcass production, cannot meet the requirements of international beef cattle. Myostatin (MSTN), a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, is highly expressed in skeletal muscle tissue and negatively regulates muscle growth [1].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
