Gene Network Modeling and Promoter Motif Analysis of Hub Genes in Skeletal Muscles of Young Bulls Treated with glucocorticoids

Eskandri Nasab, Saideh; Nouri Sadegh, Hamideh; Roudbari, Zahra

doi:10.22034/bsr.2026.575234.1015

Gene Network Modeling and Promoter Motif Analysis of Hub Genes in Skeletal Muscles of Young Bulls Treated with glucocorticoids

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Saideh Eskandri Nasab ¹

Hamideh Nouri Sadegh ¹

Zahra Roudbari ²

¹ Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Iran.

² Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jiroft.

10.22034/bsr.2026.575234.1015

Abstract

Skeletal muscle growth, regulated by complex genetic and hormonal factors, is crucial for livestock productivity. This study identified key hub genes and promoter elements in the skeletal muscle of young bulls treated with dexamethasone (± 17β-estradiol) using the GEO dataset GSE12179. Differentially expressed genes were identified, and a protein-protein interaction network was analyzed using Cytoscape, revealing 11 hub genes as dexamethasone-responsive molecular targets. Promoter motif analysis via MEME Suite identified conserved elements potentially regulated by transcription factors such as SP2, ZEB1, and TFAP2C. Functional enrichment showed these hub genes are involved in IGF-1/Akt/mTOR and TGF-β/Smad signaling, extracellular matrix remodeling, and ribosome biogenesis. Although glucocorticoid treatments are widely used, these findings suggest that genetic-based approaches such as genomic selection and marker-assisted breeding may provide realistic alternatives for enhancing muscle development. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying dexamethasone-associated muscle transcriptional responses and offer a framework for improving livestock traits through targeted genetic strategies rather than hormonal interventions.

Keywords

Skeletal muscle growth

Dexamethasone

Hub genes

Promoter motif analysis

Subjects