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Chicken domestication: from archeology to genomics
Michèle Tixier-Boichard1, Bertrand Bed'hom, Xavier Rognon
1UMR 1313 GABI, INRA, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France. michele.boichard@jouy.inra.fr
Comptes Rendus Biologies
|March 8, 2011
Summary
Chicken domestication involved multiple centers in Asia, with Gallus gallus as the primary ancestor, though Gallus sonneratii also contributed. Genomics reveals key mutations driving differences between wild and domestic chickens.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Archaeology
Background:
- Review of current knowledge on chicken domestication using archaeological, historical, and molecular data.
- Identification of multiple domestication centers in South and South-East Asia.
- Recognition of Gallus gallus as the primary ancestor, with Gallus sonneratii contributing genetically.
Observation:
- Genetic diversity in domestic chickens is distributed across traditional populations, standardized breeds, and selected lines.
- Genome sequencing facilitates the identification of mutations causing morphological differences between wild and domestic chickens.
- Comparative genome resequencing identified 21 selective sweeps in domestic chickens.
Findings:
- A non-synonymous mutation in the TSHR gene was identified within a selective sweep, requiring further functional investigation.
- Genomic approaches can identify candidate genes underlying quantitative trait loci (QTL) effects in selected chicken lines.
- Genomics provides new insights into the genetic changes during chicken domestication and selection.
Implications:
- Understanding the genetic basis of domestication aids in conserving avian genetic diversity.
- Genomic insights can inform breeding strategies for improved poultry production and disease resistance.
- This research opens new avenues for exploring the evolutionary history and genetic architecture of domestic animals.
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