Unveiling Key Genes and Crucial Pathways in Goose Muscle Satellite Cell Biology Through Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses

Skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs) are quiescent stem cells located in skeletal muscle tissue and function as the primary reservoir of myogenic progenitors for muscle growth and regeneration. However, the molecular and metabolic mechanisms governing their differentiation in geese remain largely unexplored. This study comprehensively examined the morphological, transcriptional, and metabolic dynamics of goose SMSCs across three critical differentiation stages: the quiescent stage (DD0), the differentiation stage (DD4), and the late differentiation stage (DD6). By integrating transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, stage-specific molecular signatures and regulatory networks involved in SMSC differentiation were identified. Principal component analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns in gene expression and metabolite profiles across these stages, highlighting dynamic shifts in lipid metabolism and myogenesis. The PPAR signaling pathway emerged as a key regulator, with crucial genes such as <i>PPARG</i>, <i>IGF1</i>, <i>ACSL5</i>, <i>FABP5</i>, and <i>PLIN1</i> exhibiting differentiation-dependent expression patterns. Notably, <i>PPARG</i> and <i>IGF1</i> displayed negative correlations with adenosine and L-carnitine levels, suggesting their role in metabolic reprogramming during myotube formation. Additionally, <i>MYOM2</i> and <i>MYBPC1</i> exhibited stage-specific regulation and positively correlated with 2,3-dimethoxyphenylamine. This study provides a foundational framework for understanding muscle development and regeneration, offering valuable insights for both agricultural and biomedical research.