Av-UCP single nucleotide polymorphism affects heat production during cold exposure in chicks

Area of Science:

• Animal Physiology
• Genetics
• Metabolic Regulation

Background:

• Uncoupling protein one (UCP1) plays a key role in thermogenesis, particularly non-shivering heat production.
• A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the avian UCP (av-UCP) gene in chickens is linked to variations in body weight gain and abdominal fat.
• Understanding the genetic basis of heat production is crucial for poultry science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between a specific av-UCP gene SNP (g. 1270, C > T) and heat production capacity in Rhode Island Red chicks.
• To compare the physiological responses of chicks with different av-UCP genotypes (C/C vs. T/T) under cold stress.

Main Methods:

• Male Rhode Island Red chicks with C/C and T/T genotypes of the av-UCP gene SNP were subjected to a cold environment (16°C for 15 minutes).
• Physiological parameters, including rectal temperature, gene expression in pectoral muscle and hypothalamus, and plasma free fatty acid levels, were measured and compared between genotypes.

Main Results:

• Chicks with the C/C genotype exhibited higher rectal temperatures post-cold exposure compared to T/T chicks.
• Gene expression of av-UCP and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 in pectoral muscle was elevated in C/C chicks.
• Hypothalamic expression of thyrotropin-releasing hormone and proopiomelanocortin was higher in C/C chicks, suggesting hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis involvement.
• Plasma free fatty acid levels were lower in C/C chicks, indicating differences in fatty acid metabolism.

Conclusions:

• The av-UCP gene SNP significantly influences non-shivering heat production in chickens.
• This genetic variation impacts thermogenesis through the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis and modulates fatty acid metabolism.
• The findings provide insights into the genetic control of metabolic rate and heat production in poultry.