Comparative genome-wide methylation analysis of longissimus dorsi muscles between Japanese black (Wagyu) and Chinese Red Steppes cattle

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism involved in expression of genes in many biological processes including muscle growth and development. Its effects on economically important traits are evinced from reported significant differences in meat quality traits between Japanese black (Wagyu) and Chinese Red Steppes cattle, thus presenting a unique model for analyzing the effects of DNA methylation on these traits. In the present...