Proteomics Analysis of Meat to Identify Goat Intramuscular Fat Deposits Potential Biomarkers

Abstract Intramuscular fat (IMF) is a central attribute of goat nutrition qualities and consumers’ choice. Here, we reported potential markers of IMF deposits in goat meat. Based on IMF content that was significantly higher in longissimus dorsi (LD) than in biceps femoris (BF) ( P < 0.01), goats were divided into a high-IMF (HI) group ( n = 6) and a low-IMF (LI) group ( n = 6). To better understand the molecular variations underlying IMF anabolism and catabolism in goats, we performed a proteomic analysis of the HI group and LI group, and 110 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified. After bioinformatics analysis of GO, KEGG, and protein–protein interaction (PPI), 6 DEPs (HADHA, HADHB, ACSL1, ACADS, ACAT1, and ACAA2) have positive contributions to the regulatory machinery of IMF position. Finally, a potential mRNA–miRNA–protein regulatory network of IMF was created, and the results demonstrated that ACADS and ACSL1 were identified as candidate biomarkers for IMF deposits that are worthy to evaluate in the future. Our study lays a foundation for further improving the meat quality of these animals.