Integrative ‘omics’ analysis elucidates the role of the gene ANKRD9 in modulating chicken primary myoblast IMP metabolism via the purine metabolic pathway

1. This study used the Chinese local breed, Gushi chicken, as the model to investigate the ankyrin repeat domain 9 (ANKRD9) gene. This focussed on its biological function in muscle development and regulation of inosine monophosphate (IMP), a key flavour metabolite in chicken meat. 2. The dynamic expression of ANKRD9 in breast muscle tissue was analysed using qRT-PCR. Combined with transcriptomic and metabolomic technologies, the regulatory network of ANKRD9 in chicken primary myoblasts (CPM) was elucidated. 3. The results indicated that ANKRD9 likely affected cellular adhesion and IMP accumulation. The ELISA assays in CPM confirmed that overexpression of ANKRD9 significantly inhibited IMP metabolism in myoblasts. This suggested this gene has a key role in the negative regulation of IMP. 4. These results highlighted the critical role of ANKRD9 in regulating the flavour metabolite IMP. This provides a potential molecular target and theoretical foundation for the breeding of high-quality broilers.