Proteomics, an approach towards undertanding the biology of meat quality
Résumé
Sequencing the complete genome of many species within the last few years has allowed proteomics, like all other approaches to functional genomics to rapidly expand. The technologies within proteornics are presently developing with unexpected speed, and these technologies promise a quantum leap in many applications of life sciences. Within the field of animal production the current focus is to use these technologies to describe the function of individual genes, and how heredity and environment interact to control cellular functions and consequently the physiological traits that are relevant for production of farm animals. Understanding the biology behind the complex traits of meat quality still remains a major challenge in cattle breeding and production. A number of presently running projects aim at finding molecular markers for meat quality by combining the proteome and transcriptome technologies, with the ultimate objective to link the genotype and phenotype behind meat quality. In this review we introduce some of the most frequently used technologies of comparative proteomics, and how they have been applied to studies of muscle physiology and meat quality traits in farm animals. Finally, we will introduce some of the ongoing initiatives of muscle growth and meat science proteomics at DIAS (Denmark), INRA (France), and MATFORSK (Norway)