Chicken FTO gene: tissue-specific expression, brain distribution, breed difference and effect of fasting
Yufeng Wang1, Kaiqing Rao, Lixia Yuan
1Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
Summary
The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is found in various chicken tissues, with expression varying by breed, age, and fasting status. This study details FTO mRNA distribution and regulation in chickens, offering insights into its role in energy balance.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene plays a crucial role in mammalian energy balance.
- Limited information exists regarding FTO gene expression and function in avian species, particularly chickens.
- Understanding FTO in chickens is important for poultry science and metabolic research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the tissue distribution of FTO mRNA in chickens.
- To examine age- and breed-dependent variations in FTO mRNA expression.
- To determine the impact of fasting on FTO mRNA levels and its brain localization.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for mRNA expression analysis.
- In situ hybridization for precise brain localization of FTO mRNA.
- Comparative analysis across different breeds (broilers vs. layers) and ages.
Main Results:
- FTO mRNA was detected in all examined chicken tissues, with high expression in the hypothalamus, liver, visceral fat, and cerebellum.
- Breed-specific expression patterns were observed: broilers showed higher liver expression, while layers had higher hypothalamus and cerebellum expression.
- Fasting led to decreased FTO mRNA in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMN) of layer chickens, with breed-specific FTO expression noted in the paraventricularis magnocellularis (PVN).
Conclusions:
- FTO mRNA exhibits widespread tissue distribution in chickens, with significant variations based on breed and age.
- Specific brain regions, including the hypothalamus and thalamus, show FTO mRNA localization, suggesting a role in central regulation.
- Fasting influences FTO mRNA expression in a region- and breed-specific manner, highlighting its potential involvement in metabolic adaptation in chickens.
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