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Embryonic heat conditioning increases lipolytic gene expression in broiler chicks at day 4 post-hatch
Usman Sulaiman1, Reagan S Vaughan1, Paul Siegel1
1School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States.
Frontiers in Physiology
|September 17, 2024
Summary
Embryonic heat conditioning (EHC) in broiler chicks alters adipose tissue gene expression and DNA methylation. This suggests EHC influences post-hatch heat stress responses and fat development.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Epigenetics
- Physiology
Background:
- Embryonic heat exposure can cause epigenetic changes affecting later-life immunity and stress responses.
- Research on heat exposure's impact on adipose tissue development is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of embryonic heat conditioning (EHC) on broiler chick growth, adipose tissue gene expression, and DNA methylation.
- To understand how EHC influences responses to post-hatch heat challenges.
Main Methods:
- Broiler eggs were divided into control (37.8°C) and EHC (intermittent 39.5°C) groups.
- Chicks were exposed to a 36°C heat challenge at 4 days post-hatch.
- Body weight, adipose tissue mRNA (DGAT2, HSL), and global DNA methylation were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Body weights were comparable between control and EHC chicks.
- EHC chicks showed lower DGAT2 and higher HSL mRNA at baseline (0h).
- Post-hatch heat challenge induced significant changes in adipose tissue DNA methylation, peaking at 12 hours.
Conclusions:
- EHC dynamically alters molecular responses in broiler chicks during early development.
- EHC may modulate post-hatch heat stress resilience and adipose tissue development via lipid remodeling and DNA methylation.
