Genome-Wide Association Study and Transcriptome Differential Expression Analysis of the Feather Rate in Shouguang Chickens
December 2020
in “
Frontiers in genetics
”
TLDR Researchers found genes linked to feather growth speed in Shouguang chickens, highlighting two genes that might explain differences in feathering.
The study on Shouguang chickens used a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and RNA sequencing to identify genetic factors influencing feather rate. Researchers found a significant genomic region on chromosome Z (10.0–13.0 Mb) and identified 342 differentially expressed genes between early-feathering and late-feathering phenotypes. Key candidate genes, SPEF2 and PRLR, were highlighted for their roles in feathering. The findings provided insights into the genetic mechanisms of feather development, which could aid in breeding programs to enhance feather quality in chickens.
