Muscle type‐specific effect of myostatin deficiency on myogenic regulatory factor expression in adult double‐muscled Japanese Shorthorn cattle

To clarify muscle type‐specific effect of myostatin on myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), we examined mRNA expression of MRFs in five skeletal muscles of normal (NM) and myostatin‐deficient double‐muscled (DM) adult Japanese Shorthorn cattle by quantitative reverse‐transcribed PCR. Among the four MRFs, namely, Myf5, MyoD, myogenin, and MRF4, MyoD expression was different among the muscles of the DM cattle (P < 0.01) but not of the NM cattle. Meanwhile, MyoD expression was significantly elevated only in masseter (MS) muscle in the DM cattle due to the myostatin deficiency (P < 0.05). Myf5 and MRF4 expression in semitendinosus (ST) was higher in the DM than in the NM cattle (P < 0.05). According to analysis of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform expression, more MyHC‐2x and ‐2a and less ‐slow isoforms were expressed in the longissimus and ST muscles compared to the MS muscle in both cattle (P < 0.05), but no significant difference in MyHC expression was observed between the NM and DM cattle. Taken together, myostatin has influences on Myf5 and MRF4 expression in faster‐type muscles and on MyoD expression in slower‐type muscles, suggesting a possible muscle type‐specific effect of myostatin in skeletal muscle growth and maintenance.     

In ovo L‐arginine supplementation stimulates myoblast differentiation but negatively affects muscle development of broiler chicken after hatching

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that in ovo feeding (IOF) of L‐arginine (L‐Arg) enhances nitric oxide (NO) production, stimulates the process of myogenesis, and regulates post‐hatching muscle growth. Different doses of L‐Arg were injected into the amnion of chicken embryos at embryonic day (ED) 16. After hatching, the body weight of individual male chickens was recorded weekly for 3 weeks. During in vitro experiments, myoblasts of the pectoralis major (PM) were extracted at ED16 and were incubated in medium containing 0.01 mm L‐Arg, 0.05 mm L‐Arg, and (or) 0.05 mm L‐nitro‐arginine‐methyl‐ester (L‐NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). When 25 mg/kg L‐Arg/initial egg weight was injected, no difference was observed in body weight at hatch, but a significant decrease was found during the following 3 weeks compared to that of the non‐injected and saline‐injected control, and this also affected the growth of muscle mass. L‐NAME inhibited gene expression of myogenic differentiation antigen (MyoD), myogenin, NOS, and follistatin, decreased the cell viability, and increased myostatin (MSTN) gene expression. 0.05 mm L‐Arg stimulated myogenin gene expression but also depressed muscle cell viability. L‐NAME blocked the effect of 0.05 mm L‐Arg on myogenin mRNA levels when co‐incubated with 0.05 mm L‐Arg. L‐Arg treatments had no significant influence on NOS mRNA gene expression, but had inhibiting effect on follistatin gene expression, while L‐NAME treatments had effects on both. These results suggested that L‐Arg stimulated myoblast differentiation, but the limited number of myoblasts would form less myotubes and then less myofibers, while the latter limited the growth of muscle mass.     

In ovo leptin administration accelerates post‐hatch muscle growth and changes myofibre characteristics,gene expression and enzymes activity in broiler chickens

To evaluate the effect of maternal leptin on muscle growth, we injected 0 μg (control, CON), 0.5 μg (low leptin dose, LL) or 5.0 μg (high leptin dose, HL) of recombinant murine leptin dissolved in 100 μl of PBS into the albumen of broiler eggs prior to incubation. The newly hatched chicks were all raised under the same conditions until 21 days of age (D21), when body weight was measured and samples of gastrocnemius muscle were collected and weighed. Myosin ATPase staining was applied to identify myofibre types and measure the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of myofibres. Real‐time PCR was performed to quantify leptin receptor (LEPR), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), IGF‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R), growth hormone receptor (GHR) and myostatin (MSTN) mRNA expression in the gastrocnemius muscle. The activity of calpains (CAPNs) in the gastrocnemius muscle was measured using a quantitative fluorescence detection kit. Male chickens treated with both high and low doses of leptin had significantly higher (p < 0.05) body weight on D21. The high leptin significantly increased the CSA (p < 0.05) of gastrocnemius muscle in male chickens, which coincided with a 93% increase (p < 0.05) in IGF‐1 mRNA expression. Likewise, the LL dose increased the weight of gastrocnemius muscle in male chickens (p < 0.05), which was accompanied by a 41% down‐regulation (p < 0.05) of MSTN mRNA expression and a decreased activity of CAPNs. However, all these changes were not observed in female chickens. The proportion of myofibre types did not altered. No significant change was detected for LEPR and GHR mRNA expression. These results indicate that in ovo leptin treatment affects skeletal muscle growth in chickens in a dose‐dependent and sex‐specific manner. The altered expression of IGF‐1, MSTN mRNA and activity of CAPNs in skeletal muscle may be responsible for such effects.     

鸡、鹌鹑及其杂交禽胚胎肌肉发育过程中MSTN和p21基因的表达规律

旨在研究MSTN和p21基因在鸡、鹌鹑和杂交禽胚胎肌肉发育过程中的表达规律,比较这2个基因在杂交禽与亲本鸡和鹌鹑中的差异表达,探讨MSTN和p21基因与肌肉发育的关系。通过人工受精获得鸡(♂)与鹌鹑(♀)杂交禽蛋,与鸡蛋、鹌鹑蛋按照鸡标准孵化条件同批入孵,采集第7～17天活胚胸肌组织,应用实时荧光定量PCR技术检测MSTN和p21基因在3个物种中每一天mRNA的相对表达量。MSTN和p21基因在胚胎肌肉发育的第7～17天均有表达,这2个基因mRNA的表达在鸡胚中第9天到达第1次峰值,在鹌鹑中第7天到达第1次峰值,后都随胚胎的发育表达水平上升,并维持相对稳定的高水平表达。杂交禽的表达规律与鸡一致,也在第9天达到峰值,而p21mRNA表达极显著高于鸡和鹌鹑(P<0.01)。MSTN mRNA表达规律与成肌细胞退出细胞周期的时间规律一致;在胚胎肌肉发育过程中,MSTN基因特异性上调p21的表达。     

Growth factors controlling muscle development.

The enlarged muscles of certain breeds of cattle, such as the Belgian Blue, have been shown to result from a marked increase in the number of normal sized muscle fibers. Originally insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) were implicated in this myofiber hyperplasia, as IGFs have been shown to stimulate myoblast proliferation as well as maintain fiber differentiation. Recently it has been reported that mice lacking a myostatin gene, a member of the TGFbeta superfamily, have enhanced skeletal mass resulting from increased muscle fiber number and size. Mutations in this gene have been found in double-muscled cattle, indicating that myostatin is an inhibitor of muscle growth. Myostatin is expressed early in gestation and then maintained to adulthood in certain muscles. Myostatin expression in bovine muscle is highest during gestation when muscle fibers are forming and some of the myogenic regulatory factors have elevated expression over the same period as myostatin. Molecular expression of the IGF axis does not differ between Belgian Blue and normal muscled cattle, and IGF-II mRNA is increased throughout formation of secondary fibers in both breeds. However, myostatin and MyoD expression in muscle differ between normal and hypertrophied muscle cattle breeds. This evidence strongly suggests that lack of myostatin is associated with an increase in fiber number which then results in a marked increase in potential muscle mass in double-muscled cattle.     

Basic principles of muscle development and growth in meat-producing mammals as affected by the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system

This presentation aims to describe how the basic events in prenatal muscle development and postnatal muscle growth are controlled by the insulin-like growth factor system (IGF). The prenatal events (myogenesis) cover the rate of proliferation, the rate and extent of fusion, and the differentiation of three myoblast populations, giving rise to primary fibers, secondary fibers, and a satellite cell population, respectively. The number of muscle fibers, a key determinant of the postnatal growth rate, is fixed late in gestation. The postnatal events contributing to myofiber hypertrophy comprise satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, and protein turnover. Muscle cell cultures produce IGFs and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) in various degrees depending on the origin (species, muscle type) and state of development of these cells, suggesting an autocrine/paracrine mode of action of IGF-related factors. In vivo studies and results based on cell lines or primary cell cultures show that IGF-I and IGF-II stimulate both proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts and satellite cells in a time and concentration-dependent way, via interaction with type I IGF receptors. However, IGF binding proteins (IGFBP) may either inhibit or potentiate the stimulating effects of IGFs on proliferation or differentiation. During postnatal growth in vivo or in fully differentiated muscle cells in culture, IGF-I stimulates the rate of protein synthesis and inhibits the rate of protein degradation, thereby enhancing myofiber hypertrophy. The possible roles and actions of the IGF system in regulating and determining muscle growth as affected by developmental stage and age, muscle type, feeding levels, treatment with growth hormone and selection for growth performance are discussed.     

Growth of rumen papillae in weaned calves is associated with lower expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding proteins 2, 3, and 6

This study aimed to characterize the relationship between the growth of rumen papillae in calves and the mRNA expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding proteins (IGFBPs) in the rumen papillae. The length of rumen papillae, the mRNA expression of IGFBPs in rumen papillae by quantitative real‐time PCR, and the presence of insulin‐like growth factors I and II (IGF‐I and II) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) were analyzed in nine Holstein calves divided into three groups: suckling (2 weeks, n = 3), milk‐continued (8 weeks, n = 3), and weaned (8 weeks, n = 3). The length of rumen papillae was greater (p < 0.01) in weaned calves than in suckling and milk‐continued calves, whereas the expressions of IGFBP2, IGFBP3, and IGFBP6 genes were lower (p < 0.05) in the rumen papillae of weaned calves than in milk‐continued calves. Thus, rumen papillae length and IGFBP2, 3, and 6 expressions were negatively correlated. The IHC analysis showed that IGF‐I and IGF‐II were present in the rumen epithelium of calves. These results suggested that the growth of rumen papillae after weaning is associated with the induction of IGFs by the low levels of IGFBP2, IGFBP3, and IGFBP6.     

肌生成抑制素基因研究进展

肌生成抑制素是 1 997年发现的骨骼肌生长发育负调控因子 ,肌生成抑制素不仅在骨骼肌中表达 ,还可在心肌和浦肯野纤维等多种组织中表达。研究表明 ,大鼠骨骼肌在体内的再生 ,对 MSTN m RNA的表达表现出明显的时间依赖性 ,并且 m RNA的表达不必由功能性神经支配。通过对不同品种双肌表型牛 MSTN基因的研究 ,发现其骨胳肌增大的共同特点是肌生成抑制素基因发生了突变 ,如布鲁牛 MSTN基因在编码区外显子 3发生 1 1 bp的缺失 ,导致MSTN此位点后的阅读框架改变 ,并在此点后的 1 4个密码子处终止了阅读框架 ,从而使MSTN被截短 ,MSTN蛋白活性区域消失 ,活性丧失 ,结果肌肉大量增加。目前 ,已分别对人、牛和猪的 MSTN基因进行了定位研究 ,猪肌生成抑制素基因定位研究表明 ,猪 MSTN基因位于1 5号染色体上。     

Aspartame supplementation in starter accelerates small intestinal epithelial cell cycle and stimulates secretion of glucagon‐like peptide‐2 in pre‐weaned lambs

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that aspartame supplementation in starter diet accelerates small intestinal cell cycle by stimulating secretion and expression of glucagon‐like peptide ?2 (GLP‐2) in pre‐weaned lambs using animal and cell culture experiments. In vivo, twelve 14‐day‐old lambs were selected and allocated randomly to two groups; one was treated with plain starter diet (Con, n = 6) and the other was treated with starter supplemented with 200 mg of aspartame/kg starter (APM, n = 6). Results showed that the lambs received APM treatment for 35 d had higher (p < .05) GLP‐2 concentration in the plasma and greater jejunum weight/live body weight (BW) and jejunal crypt depth. Furthermore, APM treatment significantly upregulated (p < .05) the mRNA expression of cyclin D1 in duodenum; and cyclin A2, cyclin D1, cyclin‐dependent kinases 6 (CDK6) in jejunum; and cyclin A2, cyclin D1, CDK4 in ileum. Moreover, APM treatment increased (p < .05) the mRNA expression of glucagon (GCG), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) in the jejunum and ileum and mRNA expression of GLP‐2 receptor (GLP‐2R) in the jejunum. In vitro, when jejunal cells were treated with GLP‐2 for 2 hr, the 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) OD, IGF‐1 concentration, and the mRNA expression of IGF‐1, cyclin D1 and CDK6 were increased (p < .05). Furthermore, IGF‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) inhibitor decreased (p < .05) the mRNA expression of IGF‐1, cyclin A2, cyclin D1 and CDK6 in GLP‐2 treatment jejunal cells. These results suggest that aspartame supplementation in starter accelerates small intestinal cell cycle that may, in part, be related to stimulate secretion and expression of GLP‐2 in pre‐weaning lambs. Furthermore, GLP‐2 can indirectly promote the proliferation of jejunal cells mainly through the IGF‐1 pathway. These findings provide new insights into nutritional interventions that promote the development of small intestines in young ruminants.     

Epitope-tagged insulin-like growth factor-I expression in muscle

Development of a recombinant insulin like growth factor I (IGF-I) that is distinguishable from its endogenous counterpart would provide a powerful tool for delineating the role of IGF in myogenesis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to create an epitope-tagged IGF-I that retains biological activity and determine whether expression of this construct is possible in muscle tissue following direct DNA injection. Expression vectors were created that encoded porcine IGF-I containing a T7 (11-amino acid) epitope-tag (TIGF). Immunoreactivity of the purified recombinant TIGF was confirmed using monoclonal antibodies. Biological activity was evaluated by examining differentiation of myoblasts cultured with TIGF or transfected with TIGF plasmid DNA. Addition of purified TIGF to myoblast cultures stimulated (P < 0.05) muscle creatine kinase levels similar to insulin (10(-5) M). Likewise, transfection of L6A1 with TIGF DNA hastened (P < 0.01) differentiation compared to control pcDNA-transfected myoblasts. The integrity of the recombinant protein was confirmed using a sandwich-configured enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Finally, recombinant TIGF DNA was injected in porcine muscle and the ability to detect TIGF protein was evaluated. TIGF expression was detected in muscle fibers of injected porcine muscle. These data show that a T7 amino acid tag placed on the amino terminus of the IGF-I protein remains intact during processing and does not interfere with the biological activity of the molecule. Use of this DNA construct is an excellent tool for investigating the role of IGFs in control muscle development and provides a model to investigate other regulators of animal growth.     

Adipocytes suppress differentiation of muscle cells in a co‐culture system

The development of adipose tissue in skeletal muscle is important for improving meat quality. However, it is still unclear how adipocytes grow in the proximity of muscle fibers. We hypothesized that adipocytes would suppress muscle cell growth so as to grow dominantly within muscle. In this study, we investigated the effect of adipocytes on the differentiation of muscle cells in a co‐culture system. The fusion index of C2C12 myoblasts co‐cultured with 3T3‐L1 adipocytes was significantly lower than that of the control. The expression of myogenin and myosin heavy chain in C2C12 muscle cells co‐cultured with 3T3‐L1 adipocytes was significantly lower than in the control. Furthermore, the expression of Atrogin‐1 and MuRF‐1 was higher in C2C12 muscle cells co‐cultured with 3T3‐L1 adipocytes than the control. These results suggest that 3T3‐L1 adipocytes suppress the differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts. In addition, 3T3‐L1 adipocytes induced the expression and secretion of IL‐6 in C2C12 muscle cells. The fusion index and myotube diameter were higher in C2C12 muscle cells co‐cultured with 3T3‐L1 cells in medium containing IL‐6‐neutralizing antibody than the control. Taken together, there is a possibility that adipocyte‐induced IL‐6 expression in muscle cells could be involved in the inhibition of muscle cell differentiation via autocrine.     

Effects of dietary leucine on antioxidant activity and expression of antioxidant and mitochondrial‐related genes in longissimus dorsi muscle and liver of piglets

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary leucine on antioxidant activity and expression of antioxidant‐ and mitochondrial‐related genes in longissimus dorsi muscle and liver of piglets. Three diets were formulated with different levels of supplemented leucine (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%). Results showed that supplementation of 0.25% leucine significantly increased antisuperoxide anion (ASA) and antihydroxyl radical (AHR) levels and activities of total superoxide dismutade (T‐SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S‐transferase (GST), and total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) in serum, longissimus dorsi muscle and liver of piglets as compared with the control group. The SOD2, catalase (CAT), GPx, GST, glutathione reductase (GR), and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA levels in longissimus dorsi muscle and liver were significantly increased by 0.25% leucine supplementation. However, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the mRNA level of Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1) exhibited an opposite tendency. Additionally, supplementation of 0.25% leucine significantly increased the mRNA levels of mitochondrial‐related genes in longissimus dorsi muscle and liver of piglets. Results suggested that supplementation of 0.25% leucine improved antioxidant activity and mitochondrial biogenesis and function of piglets, which was related to the increase in antioxidant enzymes activities and upregulation of expression of antioxidant‐ and mitochondrial‐related genes.     

MSTN基因对牛肌动蛋白细胞骨架调节通路的影响

为探究肌肉生长抑制素（myostatin,MSTN）对牛骨骼肌生长发育的作用机制,本研究前期利用定量蛋白质组学与磷酸化蛋白质组学分析野生型蒙古牛（MG.WT）和MSTN^+/-蒙古牛（MG.MSTN^+/-）腿臀肌肌肉组织中蛋白质水平和磷酸化修饰水平的差异变化,使用已建立的牛骨骼肌卫星细胞体外诱导成肌分化模型,检测设计合成的MSTN siRNA （si-MSTN）干扰效果;采用实时荧光定量PCR和Western blotting方法检测转染si-MSTN的增殖期（GM）和分化第3天（DM3）牛骨骼肌卫星细胞中肌动蛋白细胞骨架调节通路相关基因的mRNA和蛋白水平的表达变化,研究敲低MSTN表达对肌动蛋白细胞骨架调节通路的影响。结果显示,在MSTN^+/-蒙古牛肌肉组织中共鉴定到16个肌动蛋白细胞骨架调节通路相关基因表达丰度上调;转染si-MSTN细胞中的MSTN表达水平极显著降低（P<0.01）;在转染si-MSTN的GM期牛骨骼肌卫星细胞中,肌动蛋白细胞骨架调节通路相关基因ENAH、ACTN4和Cdc42的mRNA水平均显著升高（P<0.05）,PFN1、RhoA和ACTN4的蛋白水平均显著或极显著升高（P<0.05;P<0.01）;在转染si-MSTN的DM3牛骨骼肌卫星细胞中,ENAH、CFL1、SCIN和Cdc42基因mRNA水平均显著升高（P<0.05）,RhoA基因mRNA水平极显著升高（P<0.01）,PFN1和ACTN4的蛋白水平均显著升高（P<0.05）。结果表明,干扰MSTN可以促进肌动蛋白细胞骨架调节通路相关基因的表达,探明了MSTN可能通过介导肌动蛋白细胞骨架调节通路影响牛骨骼肌卫星细胞增殖和成肌分化的分子机制,为进一步研究MSTN对牛成肌分化的调控机制提供参考。     

Growth factor and cytokine interactions in myogenesis. Part I. The effect of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma on IGF-I-dependent differentiation in mouse C2C12 myogenic cells

The aim of this study was to examine the potential interactions of IGF-I with TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma with regard to regulation of the myogenesis and proliferative potential of mouse C2C12 myoblasts. The stimulation of myogenesis by IGF-I (30 nmol/l) was manifested by an enhanced myoblast fusion and expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC) during the first 3 days of differentiation. IGF-I-dependent fusion and MHC expression was reduced by TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma. Both cytokines prevented the stimulatory effect of IGF-I on MyoD expression with minor modification of the myogenin level. Both TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma activated the expression of cyclin A in myoblasts restimulated to proliferation; however, when used in combination with IGF-I these cytokines prevented the rise in cyclin A induced by growth factor. In conclusion: i) TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma reduce IGF-I-dependent myogenesis which was manifested by the reduction of myoblast fusion and MHC cellular levels, ii) Molecular mechanisms of inhibitory action of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma on IGF-I-mediated differentiation involve a decrease in MyoD whereas myogenin level plays a minor role, iii) TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma increase the proliferative potential of myoblasts; however, they reduced the mitogenic effect of IGF-I, manifested by a decrease of IGF-I-stimulated cyclin A expression in myoblasts reinduced to proliferation. Interactions among IGF-I and proinflammatory cytokines are therefore important to establish a number of myoblasts and the onset of myogenesis during muscle regeneration.     

干扰MSTN对牛骨骼肌卫星细胞增殖分化的影响

为研究肌肉生长抑制素（myostatin,MSTN）对牛骨骼肌卫星细胞增殖与成肌分化的影响,本试验以牛骨骼肌卫星细胞体外诱导成肌分化模型为对象,以前期设计合成3个干扰RNA（si-MSTN-1、si-MSTN-2、si-MSTN-3）并对其进行干扰效果筛选为基础,将干扰效果极显著的si-MSTN-2（si-MSTN）转染牛骨骼肌卫星细胞,通过EdU染色法检测干扰MSTN对牛骨骼肌卫星细胞增殖的影响;进一步对干扰MSTN的牛骨骼肌卫星细胞进行体外成肌诱导分化,通过肌管形成状态和分化标志因子综合分析干扰MSTN对牛骨骼肌卫星细胞分化的影响：首先通过显微镜观察牛骨骼肌卫星细胞分化时期的肌管形成状态,然后利用实时荧光定量PCR和Western blotting技术检测牛骨骼肌卫星细胞分化标志因子MyoG和MyHC在mRNA和蛋白水平的表达情况。结果显示,干扰MSTN后,牛骨骼肌卫星细胞中EdU阳性细胞率极显著增加（P < 0.01）,说明下调MSTN表达极显著促进了牛骨骼肌卫星细胞的增殖;牛骨骼肌卫星细胞诱导分化后形成的肌管数量和直径均呈现增大趋势,牛骨骼肌卫星细胞成肌分化标志因子MyHC在mRNA和蛋白水平的表达均极显著高于对照组（P < 0.01）,说明下调MSTN表达能够促进牛骨骼肌卫星细胞的成肌分化过程。本研究结果表明,干扰MSTN可以显著促进牛骨骼肌卫星细胞的增殖及成肌分化过程。本试验结果为进一步开展MSTN对牛骨骼肌卫星细胞成肌分化的调控机制研究提供了参考。     

干扰核心蛋白聚糖对牛骨骼肌卫星细胞增殖分化的影响

为探究肌肉生长抑制素(MSTN)对牛骨骼肌生长发育的作用机制,本研究以前期MSTN^+/-蒙古牛与野生蒙古牛腿臀肌肌肉组织定量蛋白质组学与磷酸化蛋白质组学筛选获得的表达差异倍数较大的核心蛋白聚糖(DCN)为靶标,以实验室前期分离培养的牛骨骼肌卫星细胞及建立的体外诱导成肌分化模型为对象,通过对设计合成的3个DCN siRNA干扰效果的筛选,将干扰效果最显著的si-DCN-2(si-DCN)转染牛骨骼肌卫星细胞。采用实时荧光定量PCR和Western blotting方法检测增殖期(GM)牛骨骼肌卫星细胞中增殖标志因子Pax7和MyoD的mRNA水平及蛋白水平的表达变化,以及使用EdU染色的方法检测干扰DCN对细胞增殖的影响。对转染DCN siRNA的牛骨骼肌卫星细胞进行体外成肌诱导分化,通过显微镜观察牛骨骼肌卫星细胞分化第3天(DM3)的肌管形成状态,同时采用实时荧光定量PCR和Western blotting检测分化标志因子MyoG和MyHC的mRNA水平及蛋白水平的表达变化,并对DM3期肌管MyHC进行免疫荧光染色,以研究干扰DCN对细胞分化的影响。结果显示,干扰DCN表达后,增殖期牛骨骼肌卫星细胞中Pax7和MyoD的mRNA水平及蛋白水平都显著或极显著上调(P<0.05;P<0.01),且EdU阳性细胞率显著增加(P<0.05),表明干扰DCN表达显著促进了牛骨骼肌卫星细胞的增殖。干扰DCN表达后,牛骨骼肌卫星细胞分化第3天诱导形成的肌管直径呈现增大趋势,检测成肌分化标志因子MyoG在mRNA和蛋白水平的表达分别极显著和显著高于对照组(P<0.01;P<0.05),MyHC在mRNA水平显著降低(P<0.05),但在蛋白水平上极显著升高(P<0.01),免疫荧光结果显示,下调DCN后肌管融合指数显著高于对照组(P<0.05),说明干扰DCN表达能够促进牛骨骼肌卫星细胞的成肌分化过程。本研究结果表明,干扰DCN可以显著促进牛骨骼肌卫星细胞的增殖和成肌分化过程。研究结果为进一步开展MSTN对牛骨骼肌卫星细胞成肌分化的调控机制研究奠定了基础。     

Ruminal epithelial insulin‐like growth factor‐binding proteins 2, 3, and 6 are associated with epithelial cell proliferation

The aim of this study was to identify factors that regulate ruminal epithelial insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein (IGFBP) expression and determine its role in rumen epithelial cell proliferation. Primary bovine rumen epithelial cells (BREC) were incubated with short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) at pH 7.4 or 5.6, lactate, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I), ‐II (IGF‐II), or recombinant bovine IGFBP2 (rbIGFBP2). The mRNA expression levels of IGFBP in BREC were analyzed using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The proliferation rate of BREC was analyzed using a WST‐1 assay. IGFBP2 gene expression tended to be lower with SCFA treatment (p < .1), and IGFBP6 gene expression was significantly lower with SCFA treatment (p < .05). IGFBP3 and IGFBP6 gene expression tended to be higher with d ‐Lactate treatment (p < .1). IGFBP3 gene expression was significantly higher (p < .05) with LPS treatment. BREC treated with IGF‐I grew more rapidly than vehicle control‐treated cells (p < .01); however, recombinant bovine rbIGFBP2 inhibited IGF‐I‐induced proliferation. IGF‐II and/or rbIGFBP2 did not affect BREC proliferation. Taken together, SCFA treatment decreased IGFBP2 and IGFBP6 expression in rumen epithelial cells, and lower expression of these IGFBP might promote rumen epithelial cell proliferation by facilitating IGF‐I.     

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 Regulates the Expression of Luteinizing Hormone Receptor and Steroid Production in Bovine Granulosa Cells

Luteinizing hormone LH plays important roles in follicular maturation and ovulation. The effects of LH are mediated by LH receptor (LHR) in the ovary. However, the factors that regulate the expression of LHR in bovine granulosa cells (GCs) are not well known. Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) is known to play a key role in the acquisition and maintenance of functional dominance. To better understand the roles of LHR expression and IGF‐1, we conducted three experiments to determine (i) mRNA expression of LHR in the GCs of developing follicles, (ii) the effects of IGF‐1 on LHR mRNA expression in cultured GCs and (iii) the effects of IGF‐1 on estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and androstenedione (A4) production by non‐luteinized GCs. In experiment 1, small follicles (<6 mm Ø) expressed lower levels of LHR than mid‐sized follicles (6–8 mm Ø) and large follicles (≥9 mm Ø) expressed the highest levels of LHR mRNA (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, IGF‐1 (1 and 100 ng/ml) increased (p < 0.05) the expression of LHR mRNA in GCs from small and large follicles. In experiment 3, IGF‐1 (0.1–100 ng/ml) increased A4 and E2 in GCs from both small and large follicles but increased P4 only in large follicles. IGF‐1 in combination with LH (0.1 and 1 ng/ml) increased P4 and A4 in large follicles, and increased E2 and A4 in GCs of small follicles. These findings strongly support the concept that IGF‐1 upregulates LHR mRNA expression as well as A4 and E2 production in GCs and that IGF‐1 is required for determining which follicle becomes dominant and acquires ovulatory capacity.