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Updated: Dec 21, 2025
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RNA-Seq Analysis of Differential Gene Expression in Electroporated Chick Embryonic Spinal Cord
Published on: November 1, 2014
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Transcriptome changes underlie alterations in behavioral traits in different types of chicken
Siyu Chen1,2,3, Chao Yan2,3, Hai Xiang2,3
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China.
Journal of Animal Science
|May 21, 2020
Summary
Artificial selection in chickens has altered behavior, with broilers showing reduced fearfulness compared to layers. These behavioral changes are linked to significant differences in gene expression patterns.
Area of Science:
- Animal genetics and genomics
- Behavioral science
- Comparative transcriptomics
Background:
- Artificial selection for production traits (meat, eggs, milk) impacts chicken behavior, metabolism, and tissue development.
- Previous studies indicate selection affects fear responses and associated gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To profile behavioral traits and transcriptome patterns in broiler, layer, and dual-purpose chickens.
- To investigate the link between artificial selection, behavior, and gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of behavioral tests (novel arena, predator vigilance) across chicken breeds.
- Transcriptome profiling to identify differentially expressed genes.
- Analysis of gene expression patterns related to fear responses.
Main Results:
- Broilers exhibited reduced fearfulness, spending less time grouped in novel environments and showing altered predator approach behavior.
- Differential gene expression was observed between breeds, consistent with reduced fearfulness in broilers.
- The ACTB_G1 (actin) gene was differentially expressed, potentially linking skeletal muscle growth and disease susceptibility in broilers.
Conclusions:
- Breed-specific alterations in chicken phenotype due to selection are associated with behavioral changes.
- Gene expression, Gene Ontology terms, and KEGG pathways underpin these behavioral differences.
- Broiler strains show distinct behavioral and gene expression profiles compared to layer and dual-purpose breeds.
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