Expression levels of filaggrin-2 in relation to drip loss in pigs

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression level of filaggrin-2 (FLG2) in correlation with drip loss. METHODS: The muscle samples were randomly taken from a local meat supplier. Samples were taken from Longissimus lumborum muscles to evaluate the drip loss (n = 100). Five muscles per group (low and high drip loss) were selected to evaluate FLG2 mRNA and protein expression levels. RESULTS: mRNA of FLG2 gene was not significantly different in pigs with different levels of drip loss (p>0.05). Statistical analysis revealed that FLG2 protein expression levels were significantly different between the drip loss groups. Western blot revealed that the high drip loss group had higher FLG2 protein expression level than the low drip loss group (p<0.001). Moreover, immunohistochemistry revealed the high signal intensity was on the muscle cell membrane and cytoplasm. CONCLUSION: FLG2 protein might play roles in drip loss of pork and will provide the basis for information to improving meat quality traits in pigs.