Editorial: Exploring Genetic and Environmental Factors in Skeletal Muscle Development

Jia Luo^*

• Southwest University, Chongqing, China

as follows:Zhang Weihong et al. analyzed the phenotypic and transcriptomic features of pectoralis muscles in male and female black Muscovy ducks at 28, 42, and 70 days post-hatching, revealing the molecular mechanisms of muscle development across growth stages. PINYAO ZHAO et al. identified the low-energy protein feed with the lowest cost by evaluating growth performance, baking loss, and taste score as key indicators. Yuanfeng Li et al. demonstrated that increasing the slaughter weight to 125 kilograms or higher decreases the lean meat percentage in live talent meat pigs and does not enhance the quality attributes of pork. Muscle fiber development and characteristics in broilers are key factors affecting growth performance and essential for producing high-quality chicken meat. Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is a critical endogenous substance in animal creatine synthesis. Jieyun Hong et al. used multi-omics analysis to investigate the regulatory effects of different GAA levels on broiler muscle development and its molecular mechanisms. Garrett J Mullenix et al. identified a novel feed additive, microencapsulated NUQO© NEX (a combination of plant and algal extracts), which improved broiler fattening performance parameters, overall feed conversion rate, processed carcass weight, and breast meat slice yellowness at varying inclusion levels. Huihui Song et al. revealed defects in lipid metabolism and insulin signaling in low birth weight goats via transcriptome analysis. These goats may accumulate lipids in skeletal muscle by disrupting liver insulin function.In conclusion, the aforementioned research results have provided substantial new data on the genetic and nutritional regulation of skeletal muscle development. Despite the extensive literature and evidence available on this critical topic, the papers published in this topic highlight that many aspects of skeletal muscle development remain to be elucidated, particularly regarding its heterogeneity and the transcriptional and metabolic regulation during growth. Future studies will leverage advanced bioinformatics techniques to comprehensively unravel the complexity and systematic nature of skeletal muscle development.