High Muscle Expression of IGF2BP1 Gene Promotes Proliferation and Differentiation of Chicken Primary Myoblasts: Results of Transcriptome Analysis

Muscle development is a multifaceted process influenced by numerous genes and regulatory networks. Currently, the regulatory network of chicken muscle development remains incompletely elucidated, and its molecular genetic mechanisms require further investigation. The Longsheng–Feng chicken, one of the elite local breeds in Guangxi, serves as an excellent resource for the selection and breeding of high–quality broiler chickens. In this study, we conducted transcriptome sequencing of the pectoral muscles of Longsheng–Feng chickens and AA broiler chickens with different growth rates. Through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, we identified differentially expressed genes that affect muscle growth and showed that IGF2BP1 is a key participant in chicken muscle development. Subsequently, we employed QRT–PCR, EdU staining, and flow cytometry to further investigate the role of IGF2BP1 in the proliferation and differentiation of chicken myogenic cells. We identified 1143 differentially expressed genes, among which IGF2BP1 is intimately related to the muscle development process and is highly expressed in muscle tissues. Overexpression of IGF2BP1 significantly promotes the proliferation and differentiation of chicken primary myoblasts, while knockdown of IGF2BP1 significantly inhibits these processes. In summary, these results provide valuable preliminary insights into the regulatory roles of IGF2BP1 in chicken growth and development.