Multi-omics Characterization of Duck Embryonic Stem Cells for Cultivated Meat

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Authors: Remy Kusters, Theo Mathieu, Franks Kamgang Nzekoue, Matteo Manzati, Joao Palma, Brian Chun, Hannah Lester
Cited by: 1
References: 42

Abstract

Abstract Industrializing cultivated meat requires cell lines with high proliferative capacity, genetic stability, and suspension adaptability. We present a comprehensive multi-omics framework, integrating genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, to characterize a commercial duck Embryonic Stem Cell (dESC) line. Our analysis demonstrates continuous proliferation in protein-free suspension media while maintaining a stable genome and a functional conserved transcriptome. Broad-scale transcriptomics confirms the absence of hazardous pathway activation, and targeted assays verify sustained pluripotency marker expression during scale-up. Compositional analysis reveals a low-fat biomass containing all nine essential amino acids with an amino acid profile comparable to conventional duck meat. Furthermore, proteomic profiling demonstrates inter-batch reproducibility and protein distributions comparable to duck breast and liver. This study provides the first detailed molecular characterization of a commercial cultivated meat cell line, establishing a reference for the stability and safety assessment of future cultivated meat cell lines.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact Animal Genetics and Reproduction CRISPR and Genetic Engineering

Publication details

Journal / source
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
Publisher
openRxiv
Publication date
1 May 2026
Document type
Preprint