Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Candidate Genes and Signaling Pathways Associated With Feed Efficiency in Xiayan...

Area of Science:

• Poultry Genetics
• Animal Nutrition
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Feed efficiency is crucial for poultry economic viability.
• Residual Feed Intake (RFI) is a primary metric for evaluating feed efficiency.
• The molecular underpinnings of RFI are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify candidate genes and molecular pathways associated with RFI in Xiayan chickens.
• To utilize RNA-sequencing to compare gene expression between low RFI (LRFI) and high RFI (HRFI) chickens.
• To elucidate the genetic mechanisms regulating feed efficiency in a native Chinese chicken breed.

Main Methods:

• RNA-sequencing was performed on male and female Xiayan chickens categorized into LRFI and HRFI groups.
• Differential gene expression analysis was conducted to identify genes associated with RFI.
• Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were employed.
• Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was utilized to identify key regulatory genes and pathways.

Main Results:

• Over 1,000 differentially expressed genes were identified in males and over 700 in females related to RFI.
• Enriched GO terms primarily involved carbohydrate, amino acid, and energy metabolism.
• KEGG analysis revealed significant pathways including nutrient metabolism, insulin signaling, and MAPK signaling.
• Key genes involved in fat metabolism and heat stress were implicated via PPI network analysis.
• LRFI chickens showed distinct gene expression patterns related to intestinal function and fat metabolism (males) or nervous system development (females).

Conclusions:

• This study identifies candidate genes and pathways regulating feed efficiency in Xiayan chickens.
• Findings highlight the involvement of metabolic and stress-related pathways in RFI.
• Distinct sex-specific molecular mechanisms contribute to feed efficiency variations.
• The results offer valuable insights for genetic improvement of feed efficiency in poultry.