The role of BBS2 in regulating adipogenesis and the association of its sequence variants with meat quality in Qinchuan cattle

The BBS2 gene plays a vital role in human obesity and fat deposition. However, little is known about it in beef cattle. Therefore, this study investigates the function of BBS2 in the fat deposition of beef cattle and screens the effective SNPs marker for meat quality traits in cattle breeding. The expression of BBS2 is negatively correlated with marbling ratios of beef cattle. Moreover, the knockdown of BBS2 promoted adipogenesis and lipid accumulation of bovine preadipocytes by stimulating PPAR gamma, FABP4, and FASN expression (P < 0.01). Four novel SNPs in the exons of BBS2 in Chinese Qinchuan cattle were identified and of which the g.24226239C > T (Q527), g.24223562G > A (V441I), and g.24227851A > G (Q627R) were significantly associated with the meat quality of Qinchuan cattle (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The findings suggested that BBS2 could be used as a candidate gene for meat quality improvement in Qinchuan cattle. Furthermore, these genotypes can be exploited as molecular markers in future beef breeding projects.

Automated summary

This study explores the role of the BBS2 gene in fat deposition of beef cattle and identifies SNPs associated with meat quality traits. It finds that the expression of BBS2 is negatively correlated with marbling ratios in beef cattle. Knockdown of BBS2 promotes adipogenesis and lipid accumulation in bovine preadipocytes. Several SNPs in the exons of BBS2 are significantly associated with meat quality in Chinese Qinchuan cattle. These findings have implications for improving meat quality and breeding in beef cattle.