A proteomic-based approach for the search of biomarkers in Iberian wild deer (Cervus elaphus) as indicators of meat quality

The positive perception of deer meat among consumers is growing. Consequently, further efforts are needed to control its meat quality. Specifically, the aim of this study was to search protein biomarkers in connection with tenderness and intramuscular fat (IMF) content of Iberian wild red deer (Cervus elaphus) meat. Twelve venison samples classified as tender, intermediate and tough meat, as well as with different IMF were studied, using quantitative proteomic by SWATH-MS combined with bioinformatic analyses. The study of muscle proteome showed significant differences among these three groups of meat samples, since five differentially abundant proteins (IVD, LAMB1, MYL3, SDHC and SDHA) and six (FABP4, IVD, LAMB1, MYL3, CRYZ and SERPINB6) were strongly correlated with tenderness and IMF, respectively. The proteomic approach provides protein biomarkers linked to venison meat quality and marked changes in proteins related to oxidoreductase complex in skeletal muscle.
The authors are grateful to Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Retos-Colaboración program) (Project INCYDEN, grant number RTC-2016-5327-2) for financial support for the study. Special thanks to Cárnicas Dibe S.L., for the samples supplied for this research. Jose M. Lorenzo is member of the MARCARNE network, funded by CYTED (ref. 116RT0503). Thanks to GAIN (Axencia Galega de Innovación) for supporting this research (grant number IN607A2019/01).