Characterization of bison (Bison bison) myoglobin

Weighted Single-Step GWAS Identifies Genes Influencing Fillet Color in Rainbow Trout

The visual appearance of the fish fillet is a significant determinant of consumers' purchase decisions. Depending on the rainbow trout diet, a uniform bright white or reddish/pink fillet color is desirable. Factors affecting fillet color are complex, ranging from the ability of live fish to accumulate carotenoids in the muscle to preharvest environmental conditions, early postmortem muscle metabolism, and storage conditions. Identifying genetic markers of fillet color is a desirable goal but a challenging task for the aquaculture industry. This study used weighted, single-step GWAS to explore the genetic basis of fillet color variation in rainbow trout. We identified several SNP windows explaining up to 3.5%, 2.5%, and 1.6% of the additive genetic variance for fillet redness, yellowness, and whiteness, respectively. SNPs are located within genes implicated in carotenoid metabolism (β,β-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase, retinol dehydrogenase) and myoglobin homeostasis (ATP synthase subunit β, mitochondrial (ATP5F1B)). These genes are involved in processes that influence muscle pigmentation and postmortem flesh coloration. Other identified genes are involved in the maintenance of muscle structural integrity (kelch protein 41b (klh41b), collagen α-1(XXVIII) chain (COL28A1), and cathepsin K (CTSK)) and protection against lipid oxidation (peroxiredoxin, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), sestrin-1, Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase-10 (USP10)). A-to-G single-nucleotide polymorphism in β,β-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase, and USP10 result in isoleucine-to-valine and proline-to-leucine non-synonymous amino acid substitutions, respectively. Our observation confirms that fillet color is a complex trait regulated by many genes involved in carotenoid metabolism, myoglobin homeostasis, protection against lipid oxidation, and maintenance of muscle structural integrity. The significant SNPs identified in this study could be prioritized via genomic selection in breeding programs to improve fillet color in rainbow trout.

Tandem Mass Tag Labeling-Based Analysis to Characterize Muscle-Specific Proteome Changes during Postmortem Aging of Bison Longissimus Lumborum and Psoas Major Muscles

The objective of the study was to examine the variations in sarcoplasmic proteomes of bison longissimus lumborum (LL) and psoas major (PM) muscles during postmortem aging utilizing tandem mass tag (TMT) isobaric labeling coupled with liquid chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the categorization of muscles with muscle-specific inherent color stability. A total of 576 proteins were identified (P < 0.05) in both bison LL and PM muscles, where 97 proteins were identified as differentially abundant (fold change > 1.5, P < 0.05) from the three comparisons between muscles during postmortem aging periods (PM vs LL at 2 d, 7 d and 14 d). Among those proteins, the most important protein groups based on functions are related to electron transport chain (ETC) or oxidative phosphorylation, tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), ATP transport, carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, chaperones, oxygen transport, muscle contraction, calcium signaling, and protein synthesis. In PM, most of the proteins from ETC, TCA cycle, fatty acid oxidation, ATP and oxygen transport, and muscle contraction were more abundant or exhibited increased expression during aging compared to LL. On the other hand, the proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism, chaperone function and protein synthesis mostly exhibited decreased expression in PM muscle relative to LL. These results clearly demonstrate that the proteins associated with oxidative metabolism showed increased expression in PM muscles. This indicates that oxidative damage or subsequent color deterioration resulted in bison PM muscles being attacked by the reactive oxygen species produced during those metabolic process. In contrast, proteins involved in glycolysis and chaperone activity exhibited a decrease in expression in bison PM muscles, resulting decline in color stability compared with LL. Because glycolytic enzymes and chaperones maintain oxidative and/or color stability by producing reducing equivalents in glycolytic pathway and with the protein folding ability of chaperones, respectively in LL muscles.

Principal component analysis of lipid and protein oxidation products and their impact on color stability in bison longissimus lumborum and psoas major muscles

The study aims were to compare lipid (malondialdehyde [MDA], 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal [HNE]) and protein (carbonyl content [CAR]) oxidation products between two bison muscles (longissimus lumborum [LL] and psoas major [PM]) at different aging and retail display time and determine their influence on muscle color stability. Regardless of the aging and retail display time, LL showed greater redness (a* value; P = 0.04) and lower surface discoloration (P < 0.01) than PM as well as LL exhibited lower MDA, HNE, and CAR content compared to PM (P < 0.05). In both muscles, MDA showed the highest correlation to a* (r = -0.78; P < 0.01) and discoloration (rs = 0.82; P < 0.01) scores, particularly in PM muscle compared to LL muscle. In conclusion, the principal component analysis revealed 4 distinct color deterioration clusters within steaks displayed at d 4 according to the muscle and aging time, and MDA critically influences color deterioration patterns in bison muscles.

Effects of Astragalus Membranaceus supplementation on oxidative stability of Cashmere goat

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) provides a rich source of polysaccharides that can act as powerful antioxidants, but their potential as feed ingredients in the lamb industry still rarely exploited. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary astragalus membranaceus supplementation on oxidative stability of goat muscles. Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles from two groups of Cashmere goat (basal diet, C group; basal diet supplemented with 1% astragalus membranaceus root, AM group) were evaluated for lipid oxidation, myoglobin oxidation, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and antioxidant capacity. The results showed that color parameters in Cashmere goat of two feeding conditions were no significant difference (p > .05). In AM group, myoglobin (Mb) content was higher than C, while metmyoglobin (MMb) (p < .05) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < .01) were lower. Additionally astragalus membranaceus supplementation had a significant effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) (p < .001). In whole, the AM group goats presented a relatively higher antioxidant capacity than C. Especially, RSA and CUPRAC values of AM group goats had significantly higher than C (p < .05). Consequently, the AM group goats ingested abundant astragalus membranaceus, which enhanced the antioxidant capacity. Thus, it can eliminate free radicals and effectively inhibit oxidation.

Plant extracts effectiveness to extend bison meat shelf life

The effectiveness of plant extracts (0.05% rosemary and 0.08% oregano) to extend shelf life of bison strip loin steaks in terms of color stability and consumer acceptability was studied. Steaks treated with oregano presented lower oxygen consumption, higher metmyoglobin-reducing activity (MRA), decreased lipid oxidation, and provided a stable red color with less discoloration during the retail display period than the control and rosemary treated steaks (P < 0.05). Results from consumer sensory evaluation indicated that treated steaks under study were not significantly different from the control (P > 0.05) based on palatability attributes and acceptability. However, rosemary treated steaks were more desirable and palatable than their oregano counterparts (P < 0.05). Overall, plant extracts, particularly oregano, can improve color stability of bison steaks due to its antioxidants properties and ability to increase MRA capacity in fresh bison meat without posing any negative impact on its sensory attributes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study will provide valuable information to the bison meat industry on how to offer a more consistent and acceptable product (in terms of palatability and color) to consumers using plant-based natural antioxidants, without diminishing the palatability of their products. This technology can offer two more days of shelf life in retail overwrap packaging, consequently, opening the possibility for the bison industry to expand its market with a potential to reduce retail losses due to poor color stability and early browning (that is, stock out, markdowns, and waste due to expired display life).

Analysis of Myoglobin Stability and Bacterial Community Diversity in Mutton Chop Rolls During Cold Preservation

The nutritional value of mutton chop rolls is gradually recognized by people, but it is easy to cause microbial contamination during storage, leading to spoilage and shortening of storage time. The bacterial diversity of mutton chop rolls in different cold preservation time was analyzed to explore the main pathogens of spoilage of mutton chop rolls. At the same time, the oxidative state of myoglobin and the change of mitochondrial Metmyoglobin (MMb) Reduction Ability (MRA) in different cold preservation were studied. It lays a foundation for further study on the mechanism of meat color stabilization of mutton chop rolls during cold preservation. A total of 10,123,180 effective Tags were obtained from three samples with different cold preservation time by high throughput sequencing. The relative abundance of Pseudomonas was the highest in the samples refrigerated for 8 days, Acinetobacter, Brochothrix and Lactobacillales showed the highest relative abundance in the samples refrigerated for 4 days, which were closely related to the deterioration of mutton chop rolls and color deterioration. With the increase of cold preservation time, Oxymyoglobin (OMb) content decreased and Metmyoglobin (MMb) content increased. MRA was negatively correlated with MMb. The content of NADH was extremely significant difference with OMb and MMb. At the same time, the content of NADH was a significant difference with MRA. This study provides theoretical basis for prolonging the shelf life, maintaining meat color stability, improving the quality of mutton chop rolls. And it also plays a certain role in promoting the production and consumption of chilled meat.

A streamlined isolation method and the autoxidation profiles of tuna myoglobin

Determination of the redox state of myoglobin (Mb) gives useful information for evaluating the quality of tuna meat. To attain this purpose, a fast streamlined method has been established basically based on preparative native gel electrophoresis to isolate Mb from the dark muscle of Pacific bluefin tuna. Crude Mb fraction was prepared from dark muscle by ammonium sulfate saturation fractionation and subsequently Mb was purified by preparative native gel electrophoresis under the isoelectric pH of the Mb, resulting in absorption (or trapping) of all the contaminating proteins in the gel. Purified Mb was converted to oxy form with a trace amount of sodium hydrosulfite, and subsequently dialyzed against 50 mM sodium citrate (pH 5.6) or 50 mM sodium phosphate (pH 6.5). The purified tuna Mb was examined for the temperature and pH dependencies of autoxidation using horse Mb as a reference. Tuna Mb was oxidized 2.5-3 times faster than horse Mb irrespective of the pH conditions examined. The highest autoxidation rates both at 0 and 37 °C were observed at pH 5.6. These data were comparable to those obtained for Mbs isolated by conventional chromatographic methods.

Nitrite Embedded Vacuum Packaging Improves Retail Color and Oxidative Stability of Bison Steaks and Patties

Bison meat is prone to rapid discoloration under traditional aerobic retail packaging conditions. The aim of this study was to determine if the color stability of bison steaks and burger patties could be improved through packaging meat with a vacuum-sealed film containing embedded sodium nitrite. Bison bulls (n = 40) were slaughtered and the longissimus lumborum (LL) and rhomboideus (RH) were removed. Following a postmortem aging period of 6, 13, or 20 d steaks were obtained from the LL. RH muscles aged 6 d were ground (85:15 lean to fat) and formed into 140 g patties. One steak and two burger patties from each carcass side were placed into either a polystyrene tray overwrapped with oxygen permeable polyvinyl chloride film (CONT) or a polyethylene tray vacuum sealed with film coated in sodium nitrite (113 mg × m–2; NIT); meat was placed under simulated retail conditions for 4 d. A 3-way interaction was observed between packaging type, whole muscle aging and time in retail display for objective (L*, Chroma, and Hue) and subjective (lean color score and proportion of surface discoloration) color measures from steaks (P < 0.0001). The CONT packaged meat showed an increased area of discoloration and in metmyoglobin after 4 d in retail display (P < 0.0001); NIT meats did not show a higher area of discoloration or metmyoglobin after retail display. Additionally, NIT packaged steaks and burger patties lightened (higher L*) and became redder over the course of the retail display period. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (products of lipid peroxidation) did not increase in NIT packaged burger patties after 4 d under retail conditions, however, there was a significant increase observed for CONT packaged burger patties (P < 0.0001). NIT packaging appears to effectively improve the color stability of bison meat under retail conditions, making this packaging strategy well suited to address the issue of rapid discoloration.

Association between red meat consumption and colon cancer: A systematic review of experimental results

A role for red and processed meat in the development of colorectal cancer has been proposed based largely on evidence from observational studies in humans, especially in those populations consuming a westernized diet. Determination of causation specifically by red or processed meat is contingent upon identification of plausible mechanisms that lead to colorectal cancer. We conducted a systematic review of the available evidence to determine the availability of plausible mechanistic data linking red and processed meat consumption to colorectal cancer risk. Forty studies using animal models or cell cultures met specified inclusion criteria, most of which were designed to examine the role of heme iron or heterocyclic amines in relation to colon carcinogenesis. Most studies used levels of meat or meat components well in excess of those found in human diets. Although many of the experiments used semi-purified diets designed to mimic the nutrient loads in current westernized diets, most did not include potential biologically active protective compounds present in whole foods. Because of these limitations in the existing literature, there is currently insufficient evidence to confirm a mechanistic link between the intake of red meat as part of a healthy dietary pattern and colorectal cancer risk. Impact statement Current recommendations to reduce colon cancer include the reduction or elimination of red or processed meats. These recommendations are based on data from epidemiological studies conducted among cultures where meat consumption is elevated and consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are reduced. This review evaluated experimental data exploring the putative mechanisms whereby red or processed meats may contribute to colon cancer. Most studies used levels of meat or meat-derived compounds that were in excess of those in human diets, even in cultures where meat intake is elevated. Experiments where protective dietary compounds were used to mitigate the extreme levels of meat and meat-derived compounds showed protection against colon cancer, with some essentially negating the impact of meat in the diet. It is essential that better-designed studies be conducted that use relevant concentrations of meat or meat-derived compounds in complex diets representative of the foods consumed by humans.

Molecular characterization of southern bluefin tuna myoglobin (Thunnus maccoyii)

The primary structure of southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii Mb has been elucidated by molecular cloning techniques. The cDNA of this tuna encoding Mb contained 776 nucleotides, with an open reading frame of 444 nucleotides encoding 147 amino acids. The nucleotide sequence of the coding region was identical to those of other bluefin tunas (T. thynnus and T. orientalis), thus giving the same amino acid sequences. Based on the deduced amino acid sequence, bioinformatic analysis was performed including phylogenic tree, hydropathy plot and homology modeling. In order to investigate the autoxidation profiles, the isolation of Mb was performed from the dark muscle. The water soluble fraction was subjected to ammonium sulfate fractionation (60-90 % saturation) followed by preparative gel electrophoresis. Autoxidation profiles of Mb were delineated at pH 5.6, 6.5 and 7.4 at temperature 37 °C. The autoxidation rate of tuna Mb was slightly higher than that of horse Mb at all pH examined. These results revealed that tuna myoglobin was unstable than that of horse Mb mainly at acidic pH.

Effects of electrical stimulation on meat quality of bison striploin steaks and ground patties

As bison is characteristically dark in colour, this study was conducted to determine if high-voltage electrical stimulation (HVES) could improve the colour and other quality characteristics in bison, similar to positive effects of HVES previously observed in beef. Forty bison bull carcasses were split and HVES (400 V peak, 5 ms pulses at 15 pulses s−1 for 30 s) was applied to the right sides and subsequently evaluated for grade characteristics, metabolic activity, and quality characteristics. The bison carcasses used in this study had a wide range of lean and fat, with minimal marbling. In the present study, HVES had no effect on bison quality traits, sensory attributes, retail display characteristics, nor the glycolytic metabolites (P > 0.05) except lactate. Inherent differences in muscle fibre type or physical carcass differences may have influenced the response to the electrical parameters used in the present study and merits further investigation.

Conservation implications of native and introduced ungulates in a changing climate

In many grasslands, grazing by large native or introduced ungulates drives ecosystem structure and function. The behavior of these animals is important as it directs the spatial effects of grazing. To the degree that temperature drives spatial components of foraging, understanding how changes in climate alter grazing behavior will provide guidance for the conservation of ecosystem goods and services. We determined the behavioral response of native bison (Bison bison) and introduced cattle (Bos taurus) to temperature in tallgrass prairie within the Great Plains, USA. We described the thermal environment by measuring operative temperature (the temperature perceived by animals) through space and time. Site selection preferences of ungulates were quantified using resource selection functions. Woody vegetation in tallgrass prairie provided a cooler thermal environment for large ungulates, decreasing operative temperature up to 16 °C in the heat of the summer. Cattle began to seek thermal refugia at lower air temperatures (24 °C) by selecting areas closer to woody vegetation and water sources. Bison, however, sought refugia within wooded areas at higher air temperatures (36 °C), which occurred much less frequently. Both species became more attracted to riparian areas as air temperature increased, with preferences increasing tenfold during the hottest periods. As predicted warming occurs across the Great Plains and other grasslands, grazing behavior and subsequent grazing effects will be altered. Riparian areas, particularly those with both water and woody vegetation, will receive greater utilization and selection by large ungulates. The use of native grazers for conservation or livestock production may mitigate negative effects caused by increased temperatures.

The synergistic effect of ribose, carnosine, and ascorbic acid on the sensory and physico-chemical characteristics of minced bison meat

Ingredients such as ascorbic acid used to preserve redness of the raw meat, and carnosine and ribose used for flavor improvement have been incorporated into minced meats to increase consumer acceptance. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible synergistic effect of ascorbic acid, carnosine, and ribose on the sensory and physico-chemical characteristics of minced bison meat. Samples included control (Co) ±1% carnosine (C), 0.1% ascorbic acid (A), 2% ribose (R) (w/w), and combinations of RC, RA, RCA in the same concentrations as the single ingredient samples. A trained sensory panel (n = 7) measured the intensity of the aromas and flavors of salty, sour, beef, and liver of the bison patties. A consumer acceptance panel (n = 59) evaluated color, aroma, flavor, texture, and overall acceptability of the patties. Hunterlab colorimetry, shear force, cook loss, and drip loss percentage were measured on the cooked patties, and color and pH on the raw patties. The sample containing 2% ribose (R), 1% carnosine (C), and 0.1% ascorbic acid (A) in combination (RCA) showed a significantly higher consumer acceptance for aroma, which could possibly be attributed to the high beef aroma intensity measured by the descriptive analysis panel. RCA had the highest color acceptance which may be related to the high a* value for the cooked sample. RCA also had high overall acceptance corresponding to “like slightly.” Raw and cooked color values, shear force, pH, cook loss and drip loss percentages, and aroma and flavor attribute intensities for RCA were not significantly different from the control sample. The synergistic effect of ribose, carnosine, and ascorbic acid may positively affect the aroma and color of minced bison meat leading to higher overall acceptability without compromising sensory and physico-chemical quality.

Redox instability and hemin loss of mutant sperm whale myoglobins induced by 4-hydroxynonenal in vitro

The effects of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) on redox stability of Oxy- and Deoxy- wild-type (WT) and recombinant sperm whale myoglobins (P88H/Q152H, L29F, H97A, and H64F) and hemin loss from Met-myoglobin (Mb) were investigated. HNE induced greater redox instability in WT and mutant Mbs compared to controls (p < 0.05). The extent of HNE-induced OxyMb oxidation was lesser in L29F (p < 0.05) and greater in H97A and P88H/Q152H than in WT (p < 0.05). H64F DeoxyMb was more redox stable than WT DeoxyMb in the presence of HNE (p < 0.05). HNE alkylation occurred exclusively on histidine residues, and histidine 48 was alkylated in all sperm whale myoglobins. HNE alkylation accelerated the protoporphyrin moiety loss only in H97A. Met- forms of WT and L29F but not Deoxy- or Oxy- forms released hemin during storage. Primary structure strongly influenced Mb redox stability in the presence of reactive secondary lipid oxidation products.

Role of globin moiety in the chemical structure of curing pigment

In this study, the role of the globin moiety in the structure of this pigment has been evaluated, using myoglobin and hemin as model systems. After the synthesis of the cured pigment from the compounds used in this study, the absorption spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and electrospray ionization (ESI)/MS spectroscopy were used to evaluate the chemical structure. Results indicated that the UV/visible, IR absorption, and mass spectroscopy of the cured pigment produced from myoglobin and its counterpart without the globin moiety, hemin, are different. Whereas myoglobin produced mononitrosylheme, hemin converted to dinitrosylheme, but probably the second nitric oxide group attached to the propionate side chain of the heme ring. It seems that the globin moiety protected heme ring against the second nitric oxide group.

Amino acid sequence of myoglobin from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Our objective was to determine the primary structure of white-tailed deer myoglobin (Mb). White-tailed deer Mb was isolated from cardiac muscles employing ammonium sulfate precipitation and gel-filtration chromatography. The amino acid sequence was determined by Edman degradation. Sequence analyses of intact Mb as well as tryptic- and cyanogen bromide-peptides yielded the complete primary structure of white-tailed deer Mb, which shared 100% similarity with red deer Mb. White-tailed deer Mb consists of 153 amino acid residues and shares more than 96% sequence similarity with myoglobins from meat-producing ruminants, such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goat. Similar to sheep and goat myoglobins, white-tailed deer Mb contains 12 histidine residues. Proximal (position 93) and distal (position 64) histidine residues responsible for maintaining the stability of heme are conserved in white-tailed deer Mb.

Species-specific myoglobin oxidation

The effect of the lipid oxidation product, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), on oxidation of oxymyoglobin (OxyMb) from seven different meat-producing species was investigated. Relative to controls, HNE increased OxyMb oxidation within all species (p < 0.05) at both 25 and 4 °C, pH 5.6. The relative effect of HNE was greater for myoglobins (Mbs) that contained 12 ± 1 histidine (His) residues than for those that contained 9 His residues (p < 0.05); HNE efficacy in all species except chicken and turkey decreased with time. Mono-HNE adducts were detected in all species except chicken and turkey. In general, HNE alkylation increased the Mbs' ability to accelerate lipid oxidation in a microsome model. However, neither an HNE nor a Mb species dependent effect was observed. Results suggested that microsome model system associated lipid oxidation overshadowed HNE and species effects on OxyMb oxidation observed in lipid-free systems.