Myogenetic oligodeoxynucleotide (myoDN) complexed with berberine promotes differentiation of chicken skeletal muscle myoblasts

Skeletal muscle myoblasts are myogenic precursors that develop into myofibers during muscle formation. Improvement of myoblast differentiation is important for advancing meat production by domestic animals. We recently identified novel oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) termed myogenetic ODNs (myoDNs) that promote the differentiation of mammalian myoblasts. An isoquinoline alkaloid, berberine, forms a complex with one of the myoDNs, iSN04, and enhances its activities. This study investigated the effects of myoDNs on chicken myoblasts to elucidate their species-specific actions. Seven myoDNs (iSN01-iSN07) were found to facilitate the differentiation of chicken myoblasts into myosin heavy chain (MHC)-positive myocytes. The iSN04-berberine complex exhibited a higher myogenetic activity than iSN04 alone, which was shown to enhance the differentiation of myoblasts into myocytes, myotube formation, and myogenic gene expression (MyoD, myogenin, MHC, and myomaker). These data indicate that myoDNs promoting chicken myoblast differentiation may be used as potential feed additives in broiler diets. ### Competing Interest Statement Shinshu University have been assigned the invention of myoDNs by TT, KU, and TS, and filed Japan Patent Application 2018-568609 on February 15, 2018.