Transcriptional variation of meat quality marker genes in different age and sex groups of Balkhi breed sheep.

In the present study, the effects of age and sex on the expression of meat quality marker genes such as the FASN (Fatty Acid Synthase), C/EBPα (CCAAT Enhancer Binding Protein Alpha), PLIN1 (Perilipin-1), PPARγ (Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Gamma), and SIRT1 (Sirtuin1) were explored. The total RNA was extracted, the cDNA library was constructed, and mRNA was quantified through qRT-PCR from the samples of young and mature sheep of male and female Balkhi breeds. Moreover, the correlation of expression levels of these genes with body and measurement traits was also explored in Balkhi sheep. Age and sex significantly (P < 0.05) affected the expression of the FASN, C/EBPα, PLIN1, and SIRT1 genes. The expression of FASN and PLIN1 genes was higher (P < 0.05) in female Balkhi sheep, whereas the expression levels of SIRT1 and C/EBPα were higher (P < 0.05) in young male Balkhi sheep. The correlation study revealed the significant (P < 0.05) and positive effect of FASN, C/EBPα, and PPARγ on body measurements such as heart girth, body length, and body weight in young Balkhi sheep. At the same time, the SIRT1 gene correlated significantly (P < 0.05) and negatively with body length and height at the chest in mature male Balkhi sheep. This study revealed the importance and potential for genetic selection and breeding strategies by targeting these gene markers to improve meat production and quality in different age and sexes of the Balkhi sheep.