In vitro screening of nutrients regulating sheep intramuscular angiogenesis, adipogenesis, and lipid deposition using an organoid model

Abstract Background The deposition of intramuscular fat (IMF) in livestock can enhance the flavor and tenderness of meat products, significantly increasing consumer satisfaction. To achieve this industrial trait, this study investigated the regulatory effects of 20 dietary nutrients on sheep IMF deposition using a 3D organoid culture model. Results Key nutrients enhancing angiogenesis, adipocyte differentiation, and lipid accumulation were identified through assessments of capillary sprouts development, mRNA expression, and Oil Red O staining. Vitamins C (VC), E (VE), and K 1 (VK1), guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), N-carbamylglutamate (NCG), tryptophan (Trp), α-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), cis -9, trans -11 conjugated linoleic acid ( c 9, t 11-CLA), acetic acid (HAc), and sodium acetate (NaAc) stimulated while vitamins B 9 (VB9), D (VD), K 2 (VK2), taurine (Tau), and sodium butyrate (NaBu) inhibited angiogenesis ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, VC, VE, VK1, VK2, GAA, Leu, NCG, Trp, ALA, LA, and HAc enhanced adipocyte differentiation, with VE, VK1, GAA, Leu, LA, and HAc additionally elevating lipid accumulation ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Various nutrients play distinct regulatory roles in angiogenesis, adipocyte differentiation, and lipid accumulation. These findings provide a roadmap for further optimizing the production of marbled meat through nutritional intervention in actual livestock breeding production. Graphical Abstract