Multi-omics unravels testis-regulated genetic mechanism of musk secretion in muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

During the scent secretion period, adult male muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) produce a musk-like fragrance similar to that of the forest musk deers (Moschus berezovskii). However, the underlying mechanism of scent secretion in muskrats were not well understood. Scent glands and testicular tissues from 2-year-old muskrats during non-scenting and scenting periods were analyzed using transcriptomics and metabolomics to identify key genes, metabolites, and pathways involved in scent secretion.