Gene expression networks and functionally enriched pathways involved in the response of domestic chicken to acute heat stress

Heat stress in poultry houses, especially in warm areas, is one of the main environmental factors that restrict the growth of broilers or laying performance of layers, suppresses the immune system, and deteriorates egg quality and feed conversion ratio. The molecular mechanisms underlying the response of chicken to acute heat stress (AHS) have not been comprehensively elucidated. Therefore, the main object of the current work was to investigate the liver gene expression profile of chickens under AHS in comparison with their corresponding control groups, using four RNA-seq datasets. The meta-analysis, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment, WGCNA, machine-learning, and eGWAS analyses were performed. The results revealed 77 meta-genes that were mainly related to protein biosynthesis, protein folding, and protein transport between cellular organelles. In other words, under AHS, the expression of genes involving in the structure of rough reticulum membrane and in the process of protein folding was adversely influenced. In addition, genes related to biological processes such as response to unfolded proteins, response to reticulum stress and ERAD pathway were differentially regulated. We introduce here a couple of genes such as HSPA5, SSR1, SDF2L1, and SEC23B, as the most significantly differentiated under AHS, which could be used as bio-signatures of AHS. Besides the mentioned genes, the main findings of the current work may shed light to the identification of the effects of AHS on gene expression profiling of domestic chicken as well as the adaptive response of chicken to environmental stresses.

Automated summary

Heat stress in poultry houses has negative effects on poultry growth and performance. This study aimed to investigate the gene expression profile of the chicken liver under acute heat stress (AHS). The results revealed 77 meta-genes related to protein biosynthesis, protein folding, and protein transport between cellular organelles. Genes involved in response to unfolded proteins, reticulum stress, and ERAD pathway were also differentially regulated. Certain genes, such as HSPA5, SSR1, SDF2L1, and SEC23B, showed significant differentiation under AHS and could be used as bio-signatures. This study provides insights into the effects of AHS on gene expression profiling and the adaptive response of chickens to environmental stresses.