Role of PI3K gene family as a molecular hub for regulation of growth and immunity: Potential implications for sustainable poultry production

Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are a conserved family of lipid kinases that link extracellular stimuli to intracellular signaling events for growth, metabolism, reproduction, immunity, and stress adaptation. The PI3K genes in chicken (Gallus gallus) play a vital role in economic traits, such as muscle growth, feed efficiency, production, and disease resistance. The chicken PI3K family consists of 16 members having only catalytic, regulatory, adaptor, and inhibitor sub-units, respectively, with characteristic functions in physiologic processes in PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and corresponding networks. Growing evidence suggests role of gene variants in the PI3K gene family (such as SNPs and CNVs), for functional activity in specifying phenotypic diversity in various poultry breeds. The PI3K genes, in addition to basic biology, are promising targets for marker-assisted selection, nutritional regulation, and immunomodulation in poultry production. Opportunities lie in exploring multi-omics methodologies, CRISPR/Cas9-based PI3K editing, and functional validation in avian systems in order to tap PI3K pathways in enhancing productivity, resilience, and sustainability in the poultry sector.