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Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiling of Longissimus Dorsi an...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2025; 15(19); 2778; doi: 10.3390/ani15192778

Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiling of Longissimus Dorsi and Biceps Femoris Muscles in Kazakh Horses Reveals Cellular Heterogeneity and Myogenic Regulation.

Abstract: Kazakh horses are renowned for their endurance and adaptability, with distinct muscle groups such as the longissimus dorsi (LD) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles serving specialized functions. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the functional specialization of these muscles in Kazakh horses remain poorly understood. This study aims to address this gap by utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to investigate the transcriptomic differences between these muscle groups, with a focus on understanding their molecular adaptations. Our analysis revealed that the BF muscle, specialized for explosive movements, exhibited upregulation of genes associated with anaerobic metabolism, muscle contraction, and oxidative stress response, reflecting its reliance on glycolysis for sustained energy production. In contrast, the LD muscle, primarily responsible for postural support and endurance, showed a metabolic shift toward lipid utilization and energy production. Differential gene expression analysis also revealed distinct enrichment in biological pathways, with LD cells being enriched in pathways related to muscle contraction and calcium signaling, while BF cells were enriched in energy metabolism pathways. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular adaptations of Kazakh horses' muscle tissues, highlighting the functional specialization of LD and BF muscles and offering a foundation for future research on improving muscle performance and breeding programs in equines.
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Publication Date: 2025-09-23 PubMed ID: 41096374PubMed Central: PMC12524056DOI: 10.3390/ani15192778Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This research uses single-cell RNA sequencing to profile the transcriptomes of two distinct muscle groups in Kazakh horses—the longissimus dorsi (LD) and biceps femoris (BF)—to uncover cellular heterogeneity and molecular mechanisms behind their functional specialization.

Background and Importance

  • Kazakh horses are well-known for their endurance and adaptability, traits closely linked to muscle function.
  • The longissimus dorsi (LD) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles have specialized roles: LD supports posture and endurance, while BF is critical for explosive, powerful movements.
  • Understanding molecular differences between these muscles can reveal how each is optimized for its specific function, which is important for advancing breeding and performance enhancement strategies.

Methodology

  • Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was employed, allowing analysis of gene expression at the individual cell level to capture cellular heterogeneity within each muscle.
  • Transcriptomes from both LD and BF muscles were compared to identify differential gene expression and pathway enrichment that explain their physiological specialization.

Key Findings

  • Biceps Femoris (BF) Muscle:
    • Highly expressed genes related to anaerobic metabolism, indicating reliance on glycolysis for rapid and sustained energy during explosive movement.
    • Upregulation of genes involved in muscle contraction, consistent with its role in fast, forceful movements.
    • Activation of oxidative stress response genes, likely due to higher metabolic demands and reactive oxygen species generated during intense exertion.
    • Enrichment of energy metabolism pathways, reflecting the need for quick energy mobilization.
  • Longissimus Dorsi (LD) Muscle:
    • Gene expression profile leaned toward lipid utilization and oxidative phosphorylation, pathways associated with endurance and efficient energy production.
    • Enrichment in pathways related to muscle contraction and calcium signaling, supporting sustained muscle tone and postural control.
    • Metabolic shift towards lipid metabolism suggests adaptation for long-duration activity with efficient energy use.

Implications and Future Directions

  • The identified molecular adaptations clarify how distinct muscle groups specialize to fulfill their roles in movement and endurance in Kazakh horses.
  • Understanding these differences at the single-cell level contributes to knowledge about muscle biology and functional heterogeneity in large mammals.
  • Findings may guide selective breeding programs to optimize muscle performance by targeting specific metabolic and contractile pathways.
  • Future research could explore the regulatory networks controlling these gene expression patterns and investigate how environmental or training factors influence muscle adaptation.

Cite This Article

APA
Wang J, Li Z, Li L, Wang R, Ma S, Su Y, Shan D, Huang Q. (2025). Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiling of Longissimus Dorsi and Biceps Femoris Muscles in Kazakh Horses Reveals Cellular Heterogeneity and Myogenic Regulation. Animals (Basel), 15(19), 2778. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192778

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 19
PII: 2778

Researcher Affiliations

Wang, Jianwen
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
  • Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
Li, Zexu
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Li, Luling
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Wang, Ran
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Ma, Shikun
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Su, Yi
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Shan, Dehaxi
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Huang, Qiuping
  • College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.

Grant Funding

  • XJMFY202406 / Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology
  • 2024B02013-3-2 / Key R&D projects of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
  • 2022A02013-1 / Major Science and Technology Special Project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
  • ZYYD2025JD02 / Central Guidance for Local Science and Technology Development Fund

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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