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Updated: Sep 19, 2025
Composition and Distribution Analysis of Bioaerosols Under Different Environmental Conditions
Published on: January 7, 2019
Proteomic analysis of dysregulated pulmonary protein expression and potential pathways in broilers induced by
Dan Shen1, Kai Wang1, Zhendong Guo2
1Research Centre for Livestock Environmental Control and Smart Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
Abstract:
Airborne particulate matter (PM) generated by intensive broiler production poses significant risks to poultry respiratory health, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying pulmonary injury remain poorly defined. In this study, PM was collected from a commercial broiler house. Fourteen-day-old AA broilers were exposed to fresh air (control, 0.47 mg·m-³), or 4 and 8 mg·m-³ total suspended particulates (TSP) for 7 days. iTRAQ-based proteomic profiling identified 4,605 proteins, with 64 differentially expressed (16 upregulated, 48 downregulated) in the high-dose group (8 mg·m-³). Enrichment analysis revealed involvement of metabolic pathways, phosphatidylinositol signaling, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, autophagy, and phagosome-related processes. Key hub proteins-PIK3CD, PIK3C2α, SGK3, and MAP3K20-were highlighted by protein-protein interaction networks and validated by ELISA. Their expression levels correlated significantly with cytokine responses, microbial community shifts, and lung metabolites. RT-qPCR confirmed activation of the MyD88-dependent TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades, along with oxidative stress and apoptotic markers. These findings uncover a PI3K/Akt-centered inflammatory pathway in PM-induced broiler lung injury, offering novel targets for improving poultry respiratory health.
Insights
Airborne particulate matter from broiler production harms poultry lungs. This study identifies a PI3K/Akt inflammatory pathway, revealing new targets for improving broiler respiratory health.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Environmental Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Intensive broiler production generates airborne particulate matter (PM) linked to respiratory issues in poultry.
- The precise molecular mechanisms of PM-induced lung injury in broilers are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of lung injury induced by airborne particulate matter in broilers.
- To identify key proteins and signaling pathways involved in broiler pulmonary responses to PM exposure.
Main Methods:
- Broilers were exposed to different concentrations of total suspended particulates (TSP) for seven days.
- Proteomic profiling (iTRAQ) identified differentially expressed proteins, followed by protein-protein interaction network analysis.
- Key proteins were validated using ELISA, and signaling pathways were confirmed via RT-qPCR.
Main Results:
- Proteomic analysis revealed 64 differentially expressed proteins in broilers exposed to high TSP levels.
- Enrichment analysis highlighted pathways including phosphatidylinositol signaling, autophagy, and ABC transporters.
- A PI3K/Akt-centered inflammatory pathway, involving TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK signaling, was identified as central to PM-induced lung injury.
Conclusions:
- Airborne particulate matter from intensive broiler farming triggers significant molecular changes in broiler lungs.
- The study elucidates a PI3K/Akt-mediated inflammatory pathway contributing to PM-induced lung injury.
- Identified molecular targets, including PIK3CD and PIK3C2α, offer potential strategies for mitigating respiratory disease in poultry.
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