A global research group headed by Professor Huaijin Zhou from the UC Davis Department of Animal Science has developed the first comprehensive chart illustrating gene regulation in chickens. This achievement holds potential for enabling scientists to develop poultry with increased resilience against diseases such as avian influenza.
The study , published in Nature Genetics brings together an extensive collection of genetic and epigenetic information from over 100 chicken breeds across the globe. This collaborative effort, involving researchers from institutions such as Aarhus University in Denmark and China Agricultural University among others, involved examining samples from 28 distinct types of chicken tissue to create a detailed map of gene expression.
This represents the fullest view we have ever obtained regarding gene function in chickens," stated Zhou. "This marks significant progress for fundamental biology as well as applied breeding techniques.
This atlas discloses the impact of numerous genetic variations on gene regulation, encompassing aspects such as gene expression levels and RNA processing mechanisms. This provides scientists with essential resources to enhance their comprehension of key agricultural characteristics including development, reproductive processes, and defense responses against diseases.
This study emerges during a critical period as the U.S. grapples with an extensive avian flu outbreak caused by the H5N1 influenza virus. This strain has impacted over 100 million poultry birds and has even extended to cattle populations.
Recognizing innate immunity against infections
This fresh understanding of genetics might aid in pinpointing birds that inherently possess greater resistance to infections. Such insights could result in flock health improvements, sturdier agricultural practices, and reduced financial setbacks for chicken farmers.
"This research underscores the role of cutting-edge genetics in enhancing animal health and ensuring food security," stated Zhou, who has been awarded the National Academy of Sciences Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences for his advancements in poultry genomics.
This project is a component of the global FarmGTEx initiative, aimed at developing comparable genetic resources for various livestock species worldwide.
More information: Dailu Guan and colleagues explored the genetic control of gene expression spanning several tissues in chickens. Nature Genetics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-025-02155-9
Provided by UC Davis
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