Drone pupae extract enhances Hanwoo myosatellite cell function for cultivated meat production

In this study, we analyzed effects of drone pupae aqueous extract powder (DEP) on proliferation and differentiation of Hanwoo myosatellite cells (HSC). Results of amino acid, vitamin, and mineral analysis of drone pupae revealed the presence of branched-chain amino acids, Glu, essential amino acids, vitamins B6, C and Mg, K, and so on. Additionally, drone pupae were shown to have an antioxidant ability. HSC were cultured for proliferation by adding 0, 10, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL DEP to the medium. As a result of MTS analysis, DEP increased the proliferation capacity of HSC, with cell viability being significantly higher after treatment with DEP, especially when DEP was used at 100 μg/mL (<italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.05). To measure the differentiation ability of HSC, 0 and 100 μg/mL DEP (CON, D100) were added to the medium, and cells were cultured. Myotube formation was confirmed through images using immunofluorescence staining. Fusion index and myotube area in the D100 were higher than those in the CON (<italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.01). DEP promoted differentiation ability and myotube formation by increasing the expression of <italic>MYH2</italic>, <italic>MYOG</italic>, and <italic>DES</italic> genes and MYH2 and DES proteins in HSC. Additionally, in HSC differentiation culture, proteome expression intensity was higher in D100 than in CON. Proteins upregulated in the D100 group included Myosin, IL18, MYO1D, and so on. In conclusion, characteristics of various components present in DEP could improve the proliferation and differentiation ability of HSC. This suggests that drone pupae can be used as a functional substance to enhance muscle growth.