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New Candidate Genes for a Chicken Pectoralis Muscle Weight QTL Identified by a Hypothesis-Free Integrative Genetic
Akihiro Furuta1, Akira Ishikawa1
1Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.
This study identified candidate genes for poultry growth traits using an integrative genetic approach. Cadherin-17 (CDH17) and Ring finger protein 151 (RNF151) were prioritized for improving muscle development.
Area of Science:
- Poultry genetics
- Quantitative genetics
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Identifying genes for quantitative trait loci (QTL) in poultry is challenging.
- A major QTL on chromosome 2 affects body and muscle weight in Japanese Nagoya (NAG) and White Plymouth Rock (WPR) chickens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify candidate genes for a chromosome 2 QTL influencing early growth and pectoralis muscle weight in chickens.
- To utilize a hypothesis-free integrative genetic approach for gene discovery.
Main Methods:
- Combined QTL remapping, transcriptome analysis (RNA-sequencing), gene enrichment, haplotype analysis, and correlation analysis.
- Utilized an F2 chicken population derived from NAG and WPR breeds.
- Validated gene expression using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
Main Results:
- QTL remapping narrowed the region to 329 genes on chromosome 2.
- Identified 23 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) within the QTL interval.
- Prioritized cadherin-17 (CDH17) and ring finger protein 151 (RNF151) as top candidate genes, excluding GATA binding protein 6 (GATA6).
Conclusions:
- An integrative genetic approach successfully identified candidate genes for poultry growth and muscle weight QTL.
- CDH17 and RNF151 are promising targets for functional studies and marker-assisted selection in chickens.
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