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Updated: Dec 24, 2025
Isolation of Preadipocytes from Broiler Chick Embryos
Published on: August 4, 2022
Association of PCSK1 gene polymorphisms with abdominal fat content in broilers
Jiamei Zhou1, Lili Yang1, Jiaqiang Yu1
1Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China.
Researchers identified specific genetic markers in the Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 1 (PCSK1) gene. These single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with reduced abdominal fat content in broilers, aiding in breeding leaner poultry lines.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Poultry Breeding
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Proprotein Convertase (PC) enzymes are Ca2+-dependent serine proteases crucial for activating proteins.
- The Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 1 (PCSK1) gene is primarily expressed in nerve and endocrine tissues.
- PCSK1 is a candidate gene for influencing economically important traits in livestock, such as fat deposition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between genetic variations in the chicken PCSK1 gene and abdominal fat content.
- To identify specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the PCSK1 gene that correlate with fat deposition in broilers.
- To evaluate the potential of PCSK1 gene SNPs as molecular markers for selecting leaner broiler chickens.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of the exon region of the chicken PCSK1 gene.
- Identification of six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the PCSK1 gene.
- Association analysis of identified SNPs with abdominal fat content in different broiler populations (G19, G20, and combined).
Main Results:
- Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the exon region of the chicken PCSK1 gene.
- All six identified SNPs showed significant association with abdominal fat content in the G19 and G20 broiler populations.
- Five of these SNPs demonstrated significant association with abdominal fat content in the combined G19 and G20 population, and specifically in AA broilers.
- Four specific SNPs (c.927T>C, c.1880C>T, c.*900G>A, and c.*1164C>T) were significantly correlated with reduced abdominal fat content.
Conclusions:
- The identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PCSK1 gene are significantly associated with abdominal fat content in broilers.
- These specific SNPs in the PCSK1 gene can serve as valuable molecular markers for marker-assisted selection.
- Utilizing these PCSK1 gene markers can facilitate the development of leaner broiler lines, improving meat quality and production efficiency.
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