Integrated transcriptome analysis of jejunum and liver to identify key genes and pathways associated with body weight in chickens

This study investigates the transcriptomic variations in the jejunum and liver of Golden Montazah (GM) chickens to better understand the biological mechanisms influencing poultry growth and production. Given the vital role of poultry in fulfilling global protein demands, especially with the rising consumer preference for chicken, it is essential to explore these underlying genetic and molecular factors that drive growth. From a larger cohort of 480 GM chickens, the top 10 males in both the high-weight (HW) and low-weight (LW) groups were selected for RNA sequencing. Tissues from their jejunum and liver were collected for transcriptomic analysis. The results revealed 38 up- and 36 down-regulated genes in the jejunum, while the liver exhibited 109 up- and 74 down-regulated genes. Among these, notable differentially expressed genes (DEGs) such as CHST14 and LOC429682 in the jejunum, alongside RBP2 and STC2 in the liver, appeared to be integral to growth regulation, immune response, and metabolic processes. Functional enrichment analyses using GO and KEGG pathways highlighted processes like cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions in the jejunum and steroid biosynthesis in the liver. Additionally, protein-protein interaction networks identified key hub genes essential for various biological functions. Overall, our findings emphasize the distinct gene expressions profiles associated with body weight in the jejunum and liver, providing valuable insights for genetic improvement in poultry breeding. Understanding these molecular mechanisms paves the way for targeted strategies to enhance growth performance in the poultry industry.