Fetal Muscle Development in Texel and Ujumqin Sheep
Author Information
Author(s): Ren Hangxing, Li Li, Su Hongwei, Xu Lingyang, Wei Caihong, Zhang Li, Li Hongbin, Liu Wenzhong, Du Lixin
Primary Institution: National Center for Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Animal, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
Hypothesis
The study investigates whether myofibers increase with a pulsed-wave mode at particular developmental stages in large mammals and the role of myostatin in myofiber hyperplasia in fetal sheep.
Conclusion
Fetal myofiber number increases sharply in a pulsed-wave mode at specific developmental stages, influenced by myostatin mutations, leading to differences in muscle development between Texel and Ujumqin sheep.
Supporting Evidence
- Myofiber number increased sharply with a pulsed-wave mode at certain developmental stages.
- Surges in myofiber hyperplasia occurred at 85 and 120 days in Texel sheep.
- A unique proliferative surge appeared at 100 days in Ujumqin sheep.
- Differentially expressed genes between the two breeds could be potential myostatin targets for further investigation.
Takeaway
Sheep grow muscle fibers in bursts at certain times before they are born, and this is affected by a gene that controls muscle growth.
Methodology
The study used histological analysis and transcriptome-wide sheep oligo DNA microarrays to examine gene expression and myofiber development at various gestational stages.
Participant Demographics
Texel and Ujumqin sheep, with a focus on fetal development stages at 70, 85, 100, 120, and 135 days of gestation.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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