Age-Dependent Expression of MyHC Isoforms and Lipid Metabolism-Related Genes in the Longissimus Dorsi Muscle of Wild and Domestic Pigs

摘要

Simple SummaryThis comparative study found that postnatal myofiber differentiation in the longissimus dorsi muscle of wild pigs was accelerated and directed toward oxidative myofibers in which the MyHC-I, -IIa and -IIx genes were well expressed. In domestic pigs, the transformation was directed toward glycolytic myofibers in which the MyHC-IIb gene transcript was abundant. The myofiber succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity and lipid content reflected expression patterns of the MyHCs and not genes involved in lipid uptake and utilization (PGC-1α, PPARγ, LPL, and CPT-1B). MyHC myofiber characteristics reflect the effects of selection pressure and rearing conditions on the growth and lean meat content and may be valuable for establishing a balanced breeding scheme focused on improving meat quality traits.