The NT5E gene variant strongly affects the degradation rate of inosine 5′-monophosphate under postmortem conditions in Japanese Black beef

Abstract

Inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP) contributes to the umami taste in Japanese Black beef. In a previous study, it was suggested that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ecto-5′-nucleotidase (NT5E) gene affect the concentration of IMP under postmortem conditions by regulating NT5E enzymatic activity in Japanese Black beef. The present study showed that the degradation rate of IMP in Japanese Black beef was significantly different among NT5E genotypes in the middle stage of postmortem, indicating a significant difference in the concentrations of IMP and its degradation products among NT5E genotypes. In addition, no significant difference was observed among NT5E genotypes in the concentrations of IMP precursors or other taste-active compounds. These results indicate the significant effect of the interaction between the NT5E genotype and the aging period on the degradation rate of IMP in beef.