Identification of key adipogenic transcription factors for the pork belly parameters via the association weight matrix

Abstract

Pork belly, which contains various components of muscle and fat, is one of the most favorable parts of pork. However, pig-breeding has largely focused on improving longissimus thoracis, representing the lean-meat production capacity, and the quality of pork belly has not improved because of the absence of established standards. Previous studies have suggested a standard for the establishment of such standards and relevant genetic parameters, but no key gene has been identified yet. Here, we predicted key genes, including transcription factors, related to pork belly formation. We analyzed 543 Yorkshire pigs and their SNP chip data and identified 3238 genes and 135,025 edges related to pork belly traits by using the association weight matrix. Based on these results, in silico validation was performed. The predicted nine transcription factors, including the key trio, were enriched in adipogenesis-related signaling pathways. The transcription factors and corresponding genetic network identified in this study may be useful in improving pork belly parameters. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd