Multi-omics integration uncovers the molecular mechanism underlying variation in meat quality across different muscles of Pingliang Red cattle

Abstract

This study integrated metabolomics and proteomics to uncover core metabolic pathways underlying variation in meat quality among three cuts of Pingliang Red cattle: topside, striploin, and clod. The pH value and b* value of the topside were significantly higher than those of the two muscles (P < 0.05). Metabolomics identified 29, 15, and 13 notably abundant metabolites in topside, striploin, and clod, respectively, including 5-diphosphate, PS(18:0/20:4), and L-threonine (P < 0.05). Proteomics illustrated that there were 35, 64, and 19 differentially expressed proteins in topside, striploin, and clod, respectively. Integrated correlation and protein-protein interaction analyses verified that energy metabolism, amino acid turnover, and lipid biosynthesis served as central regulatory modules dominated by hub molecules such as NME1 and MYH7. These findings elucidate the multi-omics basis of meat quality divergence in Pingliang Red cattle and provide potential molecular markers for targeted breeding and the segmented utilization of this local breed's meat.