The Influence of L-Methionine, DL-Methionine, and a Methionine Hydroxy Analog on Proliferation and Differentiation Potential of Avian Myoblasts

Methionine is an essential amino critical to many cell functions including the synthesis of proteins. Supplementation of methionine in vivo is typically through L-methionine, DL-methionine, or a methionine hydroxy analog (MHA). The goal of this study was to compare the function of L-methionine, DL-methionine, and an MHA as a source of methionine to myoblasts in vitro. Avian myoblasts isolated from turkey embryos were plated in media containing varying concentrations of DL-methionine (DLM; 1.125 mg/mL or 0.56 mg/mL) or methionine hydroxy analog (MHA; 1.28 mg/mL or 0.64 mg/mL) as well as a methionine deficient negative control group and an L-methionine supplemented positive control group. The results of the proliferation assay exhibited cell division in the absence of methionine which was not significantly different than the positive control group. Results from the myoblast fusion assay revealed significantly greater myotube diameter between methionine supplemented groups compared to the methionine deficient negative control. The findings of this study show an ability for avian myoblasts to proliferate in the absence of methionine, the significance of which is discussed. Additionally, findings from the fusion assay suggest that DL-methionine and MHA are potential cost-effective substitutes for methionine supplementation during terminal differentiation of avian myoblasts.