Delta-like noncanonical notch ligand 2 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of sheep myoblasts through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

This study delved into the role of delta-like noncanonical notch ligand 2 (DLK2) in the cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation of myoblasts, as well as its interaction with the classical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in regulating myoblast function. The research revealed that upregulation of DLK2 in myoblasts during the proliferation phase enhanced myoblast proliferation, facilitated cell cycle progression, and reduced apoptosis. Conversely, downregulation of DLK2 expression using siRNA during the differentiation phase promoted myoblast hypertrophy and fusion, suppressed the expression of muscle fiber degradation factors, and expedited the differentiation process. DLK2 regulates myoblasts function by influencing the expression of various factors associated with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, including CTNNB1, FZD1, FZD6, RSPO1, RSPO4, WNT4, WNT5A, and adenomatous polyposis coli. In essence, DLK2, with the involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, plays a crucial regulatory role in the cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation of myoblasts.