Wnt signaling pathway and retinoic acid signaling pathway involved in delamination and migration of chicken trunk NCCs and contributing to HVP phenotype

Hyperpigmentation of the visceral peritoneum (HVP) is a hereditary trait that significantly affects the carcass quality in bearded chickens, yet its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study utilized data-independent acquisition proteomics to analyze the protein expression profiles of black peritoneum (B), faded peritoneum (F), and normal peritoneum (N) in bearded chickens at 40 and 120 d of age. Combined with histopathological and functional enrichment analyses, we revealed the regulatory network underlying HVP formation. Results indicated that the melanin content was significantly elevated in HVP samples, without accompanying inflammatory responses or tumor characteristics, suggesting that its formation is driven by developmental abnormalities. A total of 9,375 high-confidence proteins were identified through proteomics, with differentially abundant proteins at 40 d of age (219 proteins) primarily enriched in ribosomal function, tyrosine metabolism, and melanin synthesis pathways. In comparison, at 120 d of age (246 proteins), they were enriched in transcription regulation and chromatin remodeling pathways. The abnormal expression of key co-expressed proteins DHRS3 and DACT1 suggests that the dysregulation of retinoic acid (RA) and the Wnt signaling pathway may promote the directed differentiation of melanocytes by regulating neural crest cells (NCCs). The reduced abundance of the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, VCAN, weakened the peritoneal barrier function, whereas estradiol accelerated melanin synthesis via hormonal microenvironmental regulation. Furthermore, the formation of HVP led to a reprogramming of energy metabolism, reduced fat deposition, and a downregulation of immune-related molecules, implying that pigment deposition may weaken the chicken immune response. This study systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms of HVP and provides potential targets for molecular breeding of HVP.