Identification of coexpression gene networks and regulatory mechanisms related to mineral composition and meat quality in bovine

Abstract

Beef is an important source of essential minerals to several physiological processes. Recent evidence points minerals as modulators of gene expression, miRNAs, and homeostasis imbalances have been associated with metabolic diseases, such as anemia and hyperparathyroidism. The mineral content in bovine muscle is in part genetically determined and the trait heritability is considered moderate to high. On the other hand, despite advances in genomic technologies, knowledge of genetic variation and regulatory mechanisms underlying mineral homeostasis in cattle is still incipient. Given this scenario, the objective of this project is to identify coexpression networks and regulatory mechanisms resulting from miRNA-mRNA interactions related to mineral composition. Moreover, we sought to verify important functional pathways related to mineral homeostasis and muscle meat quality parameters in Nelore cattle. For this, global mRNA and miRNA expression profiles of Longissimus dorsi (LD) generated from animals representatives of extreme Genomic Estimated Breeding Value (GEBV) for content of calcium, copper, iron, selenium and zinc will be used. This approach will allow better understanding of the complex interactions between genes, miRNAs and minerals, as well as regulatory mechanisms of mineral homeostasis in the muscle Longissimus. The results may help the improvement of nutritional value of beef and to provide a basis for the study of metabolic diseases in other species, including human.