S. G. Velleman 1
The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences
Myogenesis is a highly regulated process involving specific gene regulation and cell migration events. It should not be overlooked that the material outside the cell, extracellular matrix, plays a key regulatory role in the myogenic process. The extracellular matrix has been described as an instructive component in the formation of complex tissue structures. This organizational property of the extracellular matrix involves, in part, the interaction of cells with proteoglycans. Certain proteoglycans interact with the cell, and both collagenous and non-collagenous extracellular matrix molecules. The proteoglycan decorin is a regulator of collagen fibrillogenesis and cell growth. In the chicken, genetic muscle weakness Low Score Normal, decorin levels are elevated prior to hatching followed by subsequent increases in collagen crosslinking. These extracellular matrix modifications affect the function of the muscle tissue by decreasing tissue elasticity. In terms of meat quality, shear force values are increased which would result in a less desirable product.
1For more information, contact at: The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 213 Gerlaugh Hall,1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691; 330-263-3905; fax: 330-263-3949; e-mail: velleman.1@osu.edu