Integrating transcriptome and metabolome reveals sex-dependent meat quality regulation in Qiandongnan Xiaoxiang chickens.

ABSTRACT: This study integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics to elucidate molecular mechanisms regulating meat quality in Qiandongnan Xiaoxiang chickens across sexes and muscle types. Male chickens exhibited significantly higher shear force in breast and leg muscles (P < 0.01) and lower cooking loss in leg muscle (P < 0.05) compared to females. Metabolomic profiling identified 24 sex-differential metabolites, enriched in amino acid and nicotinate metabolism pathways. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 377 and 486 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in breast and leg muscles between sexes, respectively, associated with steroid biosynthesis and energy metabolism. Integrative analysis highlighted histidine metabolism (characterized by anserine accumulation in females via MAOA upregulation) and nico

SUBMITTER: Hao M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12709793 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature