biostudies-literatureSuthar TKShu-Min Zhang423https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12896934biostudies-literatureUnknown16(3)Heterosis or hybrid vigor is a well-recognized biological phenomenon, where crossbred progeny exhibit superior growth performance, stress tolerance, and productivity compared to their purebred parents. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying heterosis for meat quality traits in pigs remain poorly understood. In this study, we compared the longissimus dorsi muscle transcriptomes of Songliao Black Pig (SBP), Large White × Landrace pig (LWLDP), and their crossbred progeny (BXW) to uncover genetic mechanisms contributing to hybrid vigor in meat quality. Results identified 4290 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SBP vs. BXW and 3820 in LWLDP vs. BXW. Among these, 1358 genes displayed overdominant expression in BXW, indicating potential heterotic activation. Functional enrichment analAnimals : an open access journal from MDPIHeterosis-Based Identification of Candidate Genes Associated with Lipid Metabolism and Meat Quality in Crossbred Pigs.PMC1289693420240303066NC2023YFF1001000Zhang JSun WSZhang YZhang SMZhao ZLi MZhao YSuthar TKfalseHeterosis-Based Identification of Candidate Genes Associated with Lipid Metabolism and Meat Quality in Crossbred Pigs.Heterosis or hybrid vigor is a well-recognized biological phenomenon, where crossbred progeny exhibit superior growth performance, stress tolerance, and productivity compared to their purebred parents. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying heterosis for meat quality traits in pigs remain poorly understood. In this study, we compared the longissimus dorsi muscle transcriptomes of Songliao Black Pig (SBP), Large White × Landrace pig (LWLDP), and their crossbred progeny (BXW) to uncover genetic mechanisms contributing to hybrid vigor in meat quality. Results identified 4290 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SBP vs. BXW and 3820 in LWLDP vs. BXW. Among these, 1358 genes displayed overdominant expression in BXW, indicating potential heterotic activation. Functional enrichment anal2026-01-01T00:00:00Z2026 Jan2026-07-08T03:16:37.226Z2026-07-08T03:08:51.805ZS-EPMC128969344168140410.3390/ani16030423