Genome wide expression profiling associated with sensory perception between aggressive and kinder gentler chickens using GeneChip technology

Anthony John Giannini, Purdue University

Abstract

Animal well-being is important in all aspects of agriculture. Some practices used in the poultry industry, such as high densities, low light levels, and beak trimming, may result in stress for the animal. The KGB and DXL bird lines differ greatly in levels of stress response and aggression in social environments. In this study, we examined the gene profiles of these two bird lines to uncover genes that are differentially expressed. The objective of this study was to identify genes responsible for innate behavioral differences between the lines when a stressor, transportation, was placed on chickens. We assessed gene expression profiles from the hypothalamus using the Affymetrix GeneChip chicken genome array to identify genes involved in behavior. About 3,500 genes were found to be of significant difference between the two lines. Using Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, the 3,000 most significant genes were grouped together into categories based on biological processes. A highly significant node classified as sensory perception to smell was identified and deemed relevant for confirmation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to verify the given genes. Significant differentially expressed genes in this node were DNAJC17, Cor4, OR5AS1 (262), and OR5AS1 (141). All genes except one, OR5AS1 (262) were verified to be significant. The ontology for each of the significantly differentially expressed genes has not as yet been proven but inferred by association. GO molecular function terms of these genes include rhodopsin-like receptor activity, signal transducer activity, and olfactory receptor activity.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Muir, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Genetics|Animal sciences|Bioinformatics

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