# Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolites to Regulate Intramuscular Fat Deposition in Pigs

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how gut microbes and their metabolites influence fat deposition in pig muscles, affecting pork quality.

## Contribution

It identifies microbial metabolites like SCFAs and bile acids as key regulators of intramuscular fat through specific signaling pathways.

## Key findings

- Gut microbiota composition correlates with intramuscular fat levels in pigs.
- Metabolites like SCFAs and bile acids modulate lipid metabolism via receptors such as GPR43 and FXR.
- Omics and fecal microbiota transplantation studies confirm causal links between gut microbes and IMF.

## Abstract

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is a crucial determinant of pork quality, influencing tenderness, flavor, and consumer preferences, yet selective breeding has reduced its levels in modern pigs. This review explores the molecular and cellular mechanisms of IMF deposition, including progenitor cell differentiation via pathways like Wnt/β-catenin and PPARγ, and advances in non-invasive detection methods such as hyperspectral imaging and Raman spectroscopy. It highlights correlations and causal links between the gut microbiota composition and IMF, established through omics analyses, fecal microbiota transplantation, and germ-free models. Key microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids, modulate lipid metabolism bidirectionally via signaling receptors like GPR43, FXR, and TGR5. Future research should integrate multi-omics and develop probiotics to enhance IMF efficiency for sustainable pork production.