Ovary development in chickens: Molecular and cellular regulation

Although the pivotal role of the Y chromosome in mammals is well-established, the importance of the W chromosome in birds remains incompletely understood.

Investigating W-linked genes in sex determination and ovary development in chickens, we re-analyzed publicly available RNA-seq datasets, utilizing an improved W chromosome assembly.

We identified two W-linked candidate genes exclusively expressed in ovarian pre-granulosa cells during sex determination, suggesting their role in ovary development.This project aims to study the functions of these candidate genes.

To achieve this, we will use CRISPR-Cas9 technology to delete these genes in chickens and study the resulting ovarian phenotypes and gene expression changes.

This project will advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying sex determination and ovary development in chickens.Chicken eggs are a major protein source for humans.

The knowledge gained from this project can serve as a basis for developing strategies to improve egg production, increase laying longevity, and reduce laying abnormalities. This project will contribute to the reproductive health of laying hens, crucial for sustainable poultry farming.