1Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala, India
2Centre for Pig Production and Research, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala, India
3Centre for Advanced Studies in Animal Genetics and Breeding, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala, India
4Department of Livestock Products Technology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala, India
*Corresponding author: Tina Sadan; E-mail: tinasadan@gmail.com
Online published on 29 October, 2025.
Present study investigates the differential expression of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor 3 (TGFBR3) and Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase E3C (UBE3C) genes in Large White Yorkshire (LWY) and Ankamali pigs, two distinct genetic groups in Kerala. TGFBR3, a key regulator of the TGF-β signalling 1 pathway, influences muscle growth, fibrosis, and fat deposition, impacting meat quality. UBE3C, a component of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), plays a crucial role in protein turnover and lipid metabolism, affecting muscle composition. Using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), gene expression was analysed in skeletal muscle tissues from six pigs per genetic group. Results revealed a significant down regulation of TGFBR3 and UBE3C in Ankamali pigs, suggesting reduced TGF-β pathway activity and proteasomal function. These differences may contribute to lower fat deposition and higher lean meat yield in Ankamali pigs, while LWY pigs exhibit higher intramuscular fat and superior growth rates. Present findings highlighted TGFBR3 and UBE3C as potential genetic markers for optimising growth performance and meat quality.
⓿ TGFBR3and UBE3C are identified as potential biomarkers for selecting and breeding pigs with optimized growth performance and improved meat quality characteristics.
⓿ Both genes showed significantly lower expression in Ankamali pigs compared to LWY pigs, suggesting decreased activity in the TGF-β signalling and proteasomal pathways.
LWY Pigs, Ankamali Pigs, TGFBR3, UBE3C
