Differential proteomic analysis to identify potential biomarkers associated with quality traits of Dezhou donkey meat using a data-independent acquisition (DIA) strategy

Abstract

Donkey meat has been recognized as a nutritive food for human consumption in China because of its protein, vitamins, and mineral contents. However, the genetic mechanisms governing muscle growth and meat quality in donkeys are poorly understood, particularly in terms of proteomics. Our study was the first to use data-independent acquisition (DIA)-based quantitative proteomics to investigate differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in donkey muscles. A total of 111 and 127 proteins in the semitendinosus (ST)/longissimus thoracis (LT) and gluteus maximus (GM)/LT muscles were differentially expressed. The most significant potential pathways in meat quality were the GnRH and MAPK pathways between ST and LT and the fat digestion and absorption and regulation of actin cytoskeleton pathways between GM and LT. Several DAPs were closely related to muscle growth and meat quality. These findings could contribute to an improved understanding of the key proteins and processes involved in muscle growth and meat quality in donkey.