Integrated transcriptomic and phenotypic analysis reveals tissue-specific regulatory effects of guanidinoacetic acid in cattle.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is an essential precursor of creatine and plays a vital role in maintaining energy metabolism and muscle function in cattle. However, the mechanisms by which GAA exerts its effects remain unclear. This study used transcriptomic profiling combined with phenotypic analysis to evaluate the impact of dietary GAA supplementation at levels of 0.04%, 0.08% and 0.12% on metabolic pathways in the liver and pectoral muscles of Holstein castrated cattle, linking gene expression changes to key physiological and biochemical traits.

Results

Dietary supplementation with GAA activated the AMPK signaling pathway in liver tissue, enhanced fatty acid β-oxidation, and moderately suppressed immune-related pathways (e.g., NF-κB and IL-17), suggesting a balanc

SUBMITTER: Wei Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12613470 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature