Circadian Clock Regulates Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cell Proliferation and Myogenic Differentiation in Livestock
CHEN Yu-Xin1, WAN Hui1, ZHANG Chun-Ping2, YU Yang2, REN Chun-Huan1, ZHANG Zi-Jun1, WANG Qiang-Jun1,*
1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; 2 Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary/Qinghai Key Laboratory of Adaptive Management on Alpine Grassland, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
Abstract：The alternation of day and night is a primary driver for the evolution of an intrinsic circadian clock in mammals. This clock rhythmically regulates the expression of clock-controlled genes through transcriptional-translational negative feedback loops, thereby synchronizing the organism's physiological functions with environmental cycles. As the largest metabolic and motor organ in the body, skeletal muscle exerts a direct impact on the meat production performance and meat quality of livestock through its growth and development. Recent studies have revealed that core clock genes play a pivotal regulatory role in the proliferation and myogenic differentiation of skeletal muscle satellite cells. Therefore, this review focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which the circadian clock regulates these processes in satellite cells. It further explores how external factors, such as environmental cues, feeding cycles, the gut microbiota, and exercise, influence skeletal muscle development via the circadian clock. Finally, the article discusses production strategies for translating circadian regulatory mechanisms into practical applications. This review provides new insights for enhancing livestock meat production efficiency and achieving precision healthy farming.
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