Combined Transcriptomics and Proteomics Forecast Analysis for Potential Genes Regulating the Columbian Plumage Color in Chickens

This study investigated the molecular mechanisms behind the Columbian plumage color in the "Yufen I" H line of chickens by analyzing transcriptomic and proteomic differences in feather follicles. Researchers identified 21,306 genes and 5,203 proteins, with 209 genes and 382 proteins differentially expressed between black and white striped feathers and white feathers. Key findings included the involvement of 8 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 9 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the melanogenesis pathway, with MED23 and GNAQ playing crucial roles in melanin synthesis. The study highlighted the activation of pathways such as melanogenesis and cardiomyocyte adrenergic, and validated gene expression through qRT-PCR. The research provided insights into gene and protein variations during feather color development, offering a foundation for future breeding and functional genomics studies.