RNA sequencing to study differential gene expression and allele specific expression in chickens
Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Gene expression is an intermediate, quantitative phenotype that bridges genotype, environment and phenotype. Variation in gene expression contributes to phenotypic variation among individuals and populations. Survey of global gene expression can provide valuable insight into the molecular basis and mechanisms of biological phenomena and thus contributes to the understanding of fundamental genomics questions and economically important traits for agricultural animals. Using RNA sequencing, we have studied allele-specific expression and differential gene expression associated with genomic imprinting, heterosis, and feed efficiency in chickens. Firstly, through investigation of allele-specific expression in F1 reciprocal crosses derived from two highly inbred chicken lines, Fayoumi and Leghorn, we found there was no evidence of genomic imprinting in 12-day embryonic brain and liver. Secondly, we identified additivity as the most predominant transgenerational gene expression pattern between F1 crosses and parental lines, and highlighted the differentially expressed genes that could potentially contribute to heterosis. Lastly, we studied the difference of gene expression in abdominal fat between high feed efficiency and low feed efficiency broiler chickens, and determined the functional clusters and pathways that may result in divergent fat deposition between the two groups of chickens.
Description
Keywords
Biological sciences, Gene expression, Agricultural animals, Genomics