Poultry

Gene Co-Expression Reveals Pathways by which Chicken Spleen Responds to Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli

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Abstract

This study identified genetic pathways that respond to avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) infection using shared gene expression patterns (co-expression) in chicken splenic RNA-sequencing. Ten co-expressed gene clusters were significantly correlated with APEC challenge and/or bacterial load. The positively correlated clusters included genes that function in cell division and immune signaling and suggest immune activation in the spleen after APEC challenge. Future research could study these pathways as targets to improve chicken resistance to APEC, and if verified, they may be useful in developing strategies to enhance natural resistance to APEC.

How to Cite:

Kaiser, M. G., Lamont, S. J. & Monson, M. S., (2019) “Gene Co-Expression Reveals Pathways by which Chicken Spleen Responds to Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 16(1).