Sodium butyrate promotes the function of NDUFS2 in bovine skeletal muscle fiber type transformation and mitochondrial biosynthesis.

METHODS: In this study, the function of NDUFS2 in BSMCs was investigated through gene manipulation. Additionally, cells were treated with sodium butyrate (NaB) to assess its regulatory effect on NDUFS2. Key parameters, including cell proliferation and differentiation, myofiber type conversion, ATP levels, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, were measured. Protein-protein interactions were also analyzed. RESULTS: NDUFS2 promoted BSMC proliferation while inhibiting differentiation. It facilitated the conversion of fast-twitch to slow-twitch muscle fibers and enhanced cellular energy metabolism, as evidenced by increased ATP and mtDNA copy number. NaB treatment further augmented the functionality of NDUFS2 and validated its interaction with the NDUFS1 protein. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates that NaB treatment regulates NDUFS2 function, impacting mitochondrial biosynthesis and myofiber type transformation. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the molecular regulation of muscle phenotype in domestic animals.