Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Grafting of Beads into Developing Chicken Embryo Limbs to Identify Signal Transduction Pathways Affecting Gene Expression
Published on: January 17, 2016
Adipokines expression profile in liver, adipose tissue and muscle during chicken embryo development
Namya Mellouk1, Christelle Ramé1, Joël Delaveau2
1INRA UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; CNRS, UMR7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France; IFCE F, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
Abstract:
In broiler chickens, the intense genetic selection for rapid growth has resulted in an increase in growth rate and fat deposition. Adipose tissue is now recognized as an important endocrine organ that secretes a variety of factors including adipokines. However, the expression pattern of these adipokines is unclear in chicken embryo development. In the present study, we determined the expression profile of three novel adipokines, NAMPT, RARRES2 and ADIPOQ, and their cognate receptors in metabolic tissues (liver, muscles and adipose tissue) of chicken embryo/chicks from 15 days of incubation (E15) to hatching (D0). From E15 to hatching, embryos gradually gained weight and started to develop subcutaneous adipose tissue at E15. We conducted western blot and RT-qPCR tests and found that ADIPOQ expression increased over time and was positively correlated with adipose tissue weight. In addition, NAMPT expression increased only in muscles. By using a new homemade chicken RARRES2 specific antibody we showed that RARRES2 protein levels increased specifically at hatching in adipose tissue, liver and pectoralis major and this was associated with an increase in the weight of embryo. Taken together, these results support a potential involvement of adipokines in metabolic regulation during chicken embryo development.
Related Concept Videos
Muscles for Facial Expressions
Overview of Muscle Tissues
Elasticity
Elasticity is the ability of muscles to stretch and return to their original shape. This property is partly due to elastic fibers — macromolecules that run through the muscles. These fibers are firm and...
Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the...
Cell Specific Gene Expression
What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
Seed Structure and Early Development of the Sporophyte

