Phenotypic divergence between broiler and layer chicken lines is regulated at the molecular level during development

Abstract

Background: Understanding the molecular underpinnings of phenotypic variations is critical for enhancing poultry breeding programs. The Brazilian broiler (TT) and laying hen (CC) lines exhibit striking differences in body weight, growth potential, and muscle mass. Our work aimed to compare the global transcriptome of wing and pectoral tissues during the early development (days 2.5 to 3.5) of these chicken lines, unveiling disparities in gene expression and regulation linked to their postnatal traits. Results: Different and bona-fide transcriptomic profiles were identified for the compared lines. A similar number of up- and down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, considering the broiler line as a reference. Notably, a substantial proportion of these DEGs corresponds to LOCs, suggesting their chicken-specific nature. Upregulated DEGs displayed an enrichment of protease-encoding genes, whereas downregulated DEGs exhibited a prevalence of receptors and ligands. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that upregulated DEGs were mainly associated with hormone response, mitotic cell cycle, and metabolism. In contrast, downregulated DEGs were primarily linked to communication, signal transduction, cell differentiation, and nervous system development. Regulatory networks were constructed for the mitotic cell cycle and cell differentiation biological processes, as their contrasting roles may impact the development of distinct postnatal traits. Within the mitotic cell cycle network, key upregulated DEGs included CCND1 and HSP90, with central regulators being NF-κB subunits (RELA and REL) and NFATC2. The cell differentiation network comprises numerous DEGs encoding transcription factors (e.g., HOX genes), receptors, ligands, and histones, while the main regulatory hubs are CREB, AR and epigenetic modifiers. Clustering analyses highlighted PIK3CD as a central player within the differentiation network. Conclusions: The extensive genetic selection used to develop the Brazilian broiler and layer lines has profoundly altered their developmental transcriptomes. Specifically, in broilers, this alteration has led to increased cell proliferation and a delayed differentiation process, which may promote the subsequent enlargement of pectoral tissues during foetal and postnatal development. Our findings pave the way for future functional assays and improvement of targeted traits of economic interest in poultry.