F-box only protein (FBXO) family genes in cattle (Bos taurus): Genome-wide identification and functions in the skeletal muscle development.

The F-box only protein (FBXO) family plays a critical role in protein ubiquitination, but the absence of research on the FBXO family in cattle (Bos taurus) persists. In this study, 38 FBXO family members in cattle were identified and analyzed for the first time. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated evolutionary conservation of FBXO members across Bovinae and model species, suggesting conserved biological functions. Using transcriptomic data, three muscle-specific FBXO genes (FBXO31, FBXO32, FBXO40) were identified. Importantly, silencing these genes in bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells affected the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, EdU staining and CCK8 assays revealed that silencing FBXO32 and FBXO40 accelerated cell proliferation. These findings indicate that these FBXO genes may influence myogenesis. Collectively, the present study identified and analyzed the FBXO family members in cattle and revealed their potential effects on cattle muscle development, offering new insights for improving beef yield and quality.