Periocular Asymmetry Index in Caucasian Populations Using Three-dimensional Photogrammetry Assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively assess the periocular asymmetry and investigate its sex and age-related differences in a Caucasian population using three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetry. METHOD: Standardized 3D photos of the periocular region of 301 Caucasians were taken using the VECTRA M3 3D Imaging System. Standardized landmarks were positioned, and data measurements in the periocular region were obtained from these images using VAM software and assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for reliability. Absolute differences and asymmetry index between the right and the left periocular region were calculated with a focus on gender and age-related differences. RESULT: Fissure height asymmetry was positively correlated with age (p < 0.01). Furthermore, reflex distance asymmetry was positively correlated with age in the elderly group (p < 0.05). Absolute differences of upper eyelid crease were 0.65 ± 0.79 mm for females and 0.90 ± 0.94 mm for males (p < 0.05). In the elderly group, the absolute differences of reflex distance were 0.664 ± 0.471 mm for males and 0.470 ± 0.408 mm for females (p < 0.05), while the absolute differences of fissure height were 0.619 ± 0.469 mm and 0.436 ± 0.372 mm, respectively (p < 0.05). All measurements had an inter-rater ICC and intra-rater ICC between 0.761 and 0.957. CONCLUSION: Periocular asymmetry is more prominent in older and male people. 3D photogrammetry is a reliable tool to detect periocular asymmetry and might provide an accurate and effective reference for periocular cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery in the clinical routine. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors. www.springer.com/00266 .

Design and localization algorithm of flap guide plate for jaw defect based on digital 3D printing.

The anterolateral thigh flap is often used to repair the wound tissue defect. Because it is difficult to carry out the perforating vessels before and after the operation, it is considered to use digital design combined with 3D printing technology to prepare the digital three-dimensional guide plate, and at the same time, the guide plate positioning algorithm is designed according to the error caused by the different placement of the guide plate at the site to be transplanted. First of all, select the patients with jaw defect, make the patient's jaw model, obtain the corresponding plaster working model through 3D scanning, obtain STL data, design the guide plate in combination with Rihnoceros and other software, and print the flap guide plate corresponding to jaw defect with the help of metal powder using 3D printer. Based on sequential CT images, the localization algorithm takes the improved genetic algorithm as the research object, extracts the information of the transplantation area as the parameter space, codes the parameters such as the coordinates of the end points of the flap transplantation, and constructs the target function and fitness function of the transplantation. In the experiment, the soft tissue of the patients with jaw defects can be well repaired based on the guide plate. The positioning algorithm locates the flap graft under the condition of less environmental parameters, and obtains the corresponding diameter parameters.

Quantifying Dermatochalasis Using 3-Dimensional Photogrammetry.

BACKGROUND: Creating an appropriate treatment plan for patients with dermatochalasis requires careful investigation of the periocular region. Utilizing photographic documentation can assist physicians in conducting preoperative analysis and managing expectations regarding surgical outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to quantify the periocular characteristics of dermatochalasis patients using standardized 3D imaging and to compare age and sex-related changes in periocular features. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 145 Caucasian patients with periocular dermatochalasis, comprising 48 men and 97 women, aged between 35 and 91 years. Standardized three-dimensional facial photographs were taken using the 3D Imaging system VECTRA M3. Linear dimensions, curve length, angle, indices, and sizes were measured and analyzed, including palpebral fissure height (PFH), palpebral fissure width (PFW), upper lid fold-palpebral margin distance (FPD), upper palpebral margin length (UPML), lower palpebral margin length (LPML), canthal tilt (CT), palpebral fissure index (PFI), upper eyelid area, and ocular surface area. RESULTS: In the female group, the left-side PFH was slightly larger than the right-side PFH (P = 0.023), but the difference was less than 1mm. The corresponding PFI also showed a difference in the female group (P = 0.009). Statistically significant differences were shown in genders for specific parameters, except PFI (P = 0.251) and CT (P = 0.098). Among males, PFW (R = -0.523, p < 0.001) and LPML (R = -0.514, P = 0.264) decreased moderately with age. The correlation between UPML and age was weak (R = -0.367, P = 0.010). Similarly, among females, moderate correlations were found between age and PFW (R = -0.566, P < 0.001) and LPML (R = -0.537, P < 0.001). Additionally, PFH (R = -0.315, P = 0.002), UPML (R = -0.381, P < 0.001), and ocular surface area (R = -0.457, P < 0.001) showed weak correlations with age. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that dermatochalasis usually affects both eyes simultaneously, and age is a significant factor in the morphological changes of certain periocular features regardless of sex. The PFI is not influenced by age or sex. These findings may provide useful information for surgical planning and understanding age-related changes in the periocular area. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Evaluation of the Portable Next-Generation VECTRA H2 3D Imaging System for Measuring Upper Eyelid Area and Volume.

BACKGROUND: Although a portable 3-dimensional (3D) imaging system has been used for periocular measurement analysis, this system has yet to be tested and validated for periocular area and volume measurements. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to define the upper eyelid and upper eyelid fold region through a modified landmark strategy and validate a portable 3D imaging system for area and volume measurements in this periocular region. METHODS: Eighty-one healthy adult Caucasians underwent 3D facial imaging with the VECTRA M3 (static) and VECTRA H2 (portable) 3D imaging systems (Canfield Scientific, Inc., Parsippany, NJ). Subsequently, the upper eyelid and upper eyelid fold regions were selected according to a modified landmark localization strategy. Direct measurements of area and volume were performed to assess intrarater, interrater, intramethod, and intermethod reliability, and to compare the agreement between the 2 devices. RESULTS: The VECTRA M3 and H2 showed high reliability on upper eyelid area measurements. Excellent intra-, inter-, and intramethod reliability agreements were observed in intraclass correlation coefficient; very good agreement in intrarater reliability was observed in the relative error of measurement (REM) and relative technical error of measurement (rTEM); and good inter- and intramethod reliability were observed in the REM and rTEM. For area measurement of the upper eyelid fold, the intrarater, interrater, and intramethod reliability of the M3 was lower than that of the H2. Both systems had poor intrarater, interrater, and intramethod reliability for volume measurements in the upper eyelid and upper eyelid fold region. CONCLUSIONS: This new portable 3D imaging system achieved excellent or very good reliability values for standardized direct measurements of the upper eyelid and upper eyelid fold region, although volume measurements seem less reliable.

Recent advances in graves ophthalmopathy medical therapy: a comprehensive literature review.

Graves ophthalmopathy (GO), which occurs in autoimmune thyroid disease, can reduce patients' quality of life due to its impact on visual function, physical appearance, and emotional health. Corticosteroids have been the first-line treatment for GO. More recently, the pathogenesis of GO has made significant progress. Various targeting biological agents and immunosuppressive agents make GO management more promising. Fully understanding GO pathogenesis and precise clinical management are beneficial for the prognosis of patients. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive review of the medical management of GO and summarized research developments to highlight future research issues.

Therapy Failure and Resistance Mechanism in Eyelid and Ocular Surface Tumors.

Malignant tumors of the eyelids and ocular surface are common ocular malignancies. At present, surgical treatment is mostly the first choice for these types of tumors. However, postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis are still regarded as failures in the treatment of such malignancies. Based on this, malignant tumors of the eyelid and ocular surface are sometimes accompanied by local adjuvant chemotherapy and systemic chemotherapy to treat patients with relapse, invasion of adjacent tissues, and systemic metastases. Still, drug resistance greatly affects the treatment effect. This review lists several mechanisms of recurrence and metastasis of ocular surface and eyelid tumors after surgery, as well as mechanisms that may lead to non-surgical treatment or drug resistance.

A gene co-expression network analysis of the candidate genes and molecular pathways associated with feather follicle traits of chicken skin.

Back and thigh skin of chickens showed significant differences in the thickness and the feather follicle density and size, which are important traits for slaughtered chickens' appearance. In the present study, global gene expression profiling was conducted in the back and thigh skin of chickens using Microarray technology. The results showed that 676 genes were differentially expressed between back and thigh skin. The expression of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including PPP1R3C, IGF1, PTCHD1, HOXB6, FGF9, CAMK4, SHH, BMP8B, FOXN1 and PTGER2, was validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the results were consistent with microarray results. Functional analysis revealed that the DEGs were significantly involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, adhesion and transport process, and the pathways were significantly mapped into the ECM-receptor interaction, peroxisome, focal adhesion, Hedgehog and PPAR signalling pathways. Protein-protein interaction network analysis suggested that signalling pathways related to feathers morphogenesis and development, such as Wnt, FGF, MAPK, SHH and BMP signalling pathways, occupied important positions in the network. Genes involved in these signalling pathways and adhesion molecules might play a vital role in skin and feather follicle development. Further single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) association analysis of Wnt3A showed that the AC genotype of SNP g.255361 C>A significantly increased the feather follicle density of thigh skin. Our findings may provide new insights on candidate genes and pathways related to skin and feather follicle formation of chickens.

Molecular Cloning, Characterization, and Temporal Expression Profile of Troponin I Type 1 (TNNI1) Gene in Skeletal Muscle During Early Development of Gaoyou Duck (Anas Platyrhynchos Domestica).

TNNI1 encodes the slow skeletal muscle isoform of troponin I. In the present study, the basic characteristic and expressing profile of the TNNI1 gene was first explored in Gaoyou ducks. Full-length TNNI1 cDNA of Gaoyou duck was obtained using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The cDNA consisted of a 57-base pair (bp) 5'UTR, a 345-bp 3'UTR, and a 564-bp open reading frame. The predicted protein was predicted to be hydrophilic, nonsecretory protein and contained 17 phosphorylation sites. Multiple alignments and phylogenetic tree analyses showed that the predicted protein was relatively conserved in avian. TNNI1 mRNA could be detected in every tissue analyzed at 70 days of age, and the muscle tissues had relatively high expression level, with the highest level seen in leg muscle. The TNNI1 gene was differentially expressed in the breast muscle and leg muscle during embryonic and posthatching development. Our findings reveal the sequence characterization and expression patterns of the TNNI1 gene, which may provide correlative evidence that TNNI1 gene plays an important role in duck muscle fiber development and meat quality.

A UV-related risk analysis in ophthalmic malignancies: Increased UV exposure may cause ocular malignancies.

Purpose: To explore the role of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in the occurrence and development of various ocular malignancies. Methods: In this article, we retrieved ocular malignancy data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) and performed correlation analysis with the global UV index and sunshine duration. We searched for associated studies using the following databases: Embase, Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. We conducted the literature by searching the Mesh terms denoting an exposure of interest ("UV radiation", "ultraviolet rays", and "ocular malignancies", All studies included are published until December 30, 2023 without language restrictions. Results: The mechanisms and epidemiological statistics of UVR on the onset and progression of eyelid malignancies are the most studied and clear. The role of UVR in conjunctival melanoma is similar to that in eyelid melanoma. The relationship between uveal melanoma and UVR is controversial, however, it may have at least a certain impact on its prognosis. UVR causes ocular surface squamous neoplasia by further activating HPV infection. Conclusions: UVR is a decisive risk factor for ocular malignancies, but the incidence of ultraviolet-induced tumors is also affected by many other factors. A correct and comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of UVR in the pathogenesis of ocular malignant tumors can provide patients with more effective and selective immune regulation strategies.

FACE-Q eye module for measuring patient-reported outcomes in blepharoplasty surgery: A validation study.

This study aimed to conduct a linguistic validation of all FACE-Q eye module scales in German, and to evaluate the reliability and validity of the scales in patients with blepharoplasty. According to international recommendations, all FACE-Q scales and checklists were translated from English to German. Psychometric testing of blepharoplasty surgery-related scales of translated versions were administered to patients with blepharochalasis or dermatochalasis and a history of blepharoplasty surgery (n = 64; 11 scales) or no history of blepharoplasty surgery (n = 65; seven scales), and to a group of control subjects (n = 64; seven scales). Most of the subscales showed acceptable internal consistency, with Cronbach's alphas ranging from 0.75 to 0.97. Intraclass correlation coefficients were high (0.70-0.92), indicating good reliability, with total values of 0.63 (95% CI 0.46-0.76) and 0.68 (95% CI 0.53-0.80) for the upper eyelid and social function scores, respectively. There was good discriminability between pre- and post-blepharoplasty patients and normal subjects (p < 0.05). The German-language version of the FACE-Q eye module is a successfully validated and helpful tool for assessing outcomes after blepharoplasty surgery, especially with respect to 'satisfaction with overall facial appearance', 'psychological well-being, social function', 'decision satisfaction, outcome satisfaction', and 'early-life impact recovery'.

Dynamic Measurement and Analysis of Upper Eyelid Changes Using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy.

PURPOSE: To define the regular upper eyelid anatomy and their changes during dynamic motion using ultrasonographically depicted structures. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: High-resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy (50MHz) was performed on 84 upper eyelids of 42 healthy volunteers without evidence of eyelid conditions. The skin-orbicularis oculi complex (SOOC), levator aponeurosis, and Müller's muscle-conjunctival complex were imaged. The thickness of these structures was measured in primary gaze and downgaze positions. RESULTS: SOOC and levator aponeurosis thickness was bigger with eyes open than with eyes closed (p < 0.01). With eyes closed, the thickness of SOOC on the pupillary midline and levator aponeurosis was positively correlated with age (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively), and the thickness of levator aponeurosis and SOOC on the pupil midline was also positively correlated with BMI index (p < 0.05). Similarly, SOOC thickness on the medial and lateral canthus line is also positively correlated with BMI index and age (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). As for the differences between genders, the mean thickness of SOOC and levator aponeurosis was statistically different (p < 0.05, respectively). The magnitude of levator aponeurosis thickness in men varied more than in women in different ocular positions (p < 0.05). All measurements had an intramethod between 0.624 and 0.792, and inter-rater ICC and intrarater ICC between 0.748 and 0.850. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound biomicroscopy represents a noninvasive tool for the visualization of upper eyelid morphology. Expanding its application can help to understand the dynamics of upper eyelid physiological movement, aging, and disease research in different populations and evaluate surgical outcomes.

Molecular Regulatory Mechanisms in Chicken Feather Follicle Morphogenesis.

In China, the sale of freshly slaughtered chickens is becoming increasingly popular in comparison with that of live chickens, and due to this emerging trend, the skin and feather follicle traits of yellow-feathered broilers have attracted a great deal of research attention. The feather follicle originates from the interaction between the epidermis and dermis in the early embryonic stage. Feather follicle morphogenesis is regulated by the Wnt, ectodysplasin (Eda), epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), sonic hedgehog (Shh), Notch, and other signaling pathways that exist in epithelial and mesenchymal cells. The Wnt pathway is essential for feather follicle and feather morphogenesis. Eda interacts with Wnt to induce FGF expression, which attracts mesenchymal cell movement and aggregates to form feather follicle primordia. BMP acts as an inhibitor of the above signaling pathways to limit the size of the feather tract and distance between neighboring feather primordia in a dose-dependent manner. The Notch/Delta pathway can interact with the FGF pathway to promote feather bud formation. While not a part of the early morphogenesis of feather follicles, Shh and BMP signaling are involved in late feather branching. This review summarizes the roles of miRNAs/lncRNA in the regulation of feather follicle and feather growth and development and suggests topics that need to be solved in a future study. This review focuses on the regulatory mechanisms involved in feather follicle morphogenesis and analyzes the impact of SNP sites on feather follicle traits in poultry. This work may help us to understand the molecular regulatory networks influencing feather follicle growth and provide basic data for poultry carcass quality.

Transcriptome sequencing analysis of the role of miR-499-5p and SOX6 in chicken skeletal myofiber specification.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) might play critical roles in skeletal myofiber specification. In a previous study, we found that chicken miR-499-5p is specifically expressed in slow-twitch muscle and that its potential target gene is SOX6. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing to investigate the effects of SOX6 and miR-499-5p on the modulation and regulation of chicken muscle fiber type and its regulatory mechanism. The expression levels of miR-499-5p and SOX6 demonstrated opposing trends in different skeletal muscles and were associated with muscle fiber type composition. Differential expression analysis revealed that miR-499-5p overexpression led to significant changes in the expression of 297 genes in chicken primary myoblasts (CPMs). Myofiber type-related genes, including MYH7B and CSRP3, showed expression patterns similar to those in slow-twitch muscle. According to functional enrichment analysis, differentially expressed genes were mostly associated with muscle development and muscle fiber-related processes. SOX6 was identified as the target gene of miR-499-5p in CPM using target gene mining and luciferase reporter assays. SOX6 knockdown resulted in upregulation of the slow myosin genes and downregulation of fast myosin genes. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that MYH7B and RUNX2 may be the direct targets of SOX6. These results indicated that chicken miR-499-5p may promote slow-twitch muscle fiber formation by repressing SOX6 expression. Our study provides a dataset that can be used as a reference for animal meat quality and human muscle disease studies.

Analysis of potential regulatory LncRNAs and CircRNAs in the oxidative myofiber and glycolytic myofiber of chickens.

SART and PMM are mainly composed of oxidative myofibers and glycolytic myofibers, respectively, and myofiber types profoundly influence postnatal muscle growth and meat quality. SART and PMM are composed of lncRNAs and circRNAs that participate in myofiber type regulation. To elucidate the regulatory mechanism of myofiber type, lncRNA and circRNA sequencing was used to systematically compare the transcriptomes of the SART and PMM of Chinese female Qingyuan partridge chickens at their marketing age. The luminance value (L*), redness value (a*), average diameter, cross-sectional area, and density difference between the PMM and SART were significant (p < 0.05). ATPase staining results showed that PMMs were all darkly stained and belonged to the glycolytic type, and the proportion of oxidative myofibers in SART was 81.7%. A total of 5 420 lncRNAs were identified, of which 365 were differentially expressed in the SART compared with the PMM (p < 0.05). The cis-regulatory analysis identified target genes that were enriched for specific GO terms and KEGG pathways (p < 0.05), including striated muscle cell differentiation, regulation of cell proliferation, regulation of muscle cell differentiation, myoblast differentiation, regulation of myoblast differentiation, and MAPK signaling pathway. Pathways and coexpression network analyses suggested that XR_003077811.1, XR_003072304.1, XR_001465942.2, XR_001465741.2, XR_001470487.1, XR_003077673.1 and XR_003074785.1 played important roles in regulating oxidative myofibers by TBX3, QKI, MYBPC1, CALM2, and PPARGC1A expression. A total of 10 487 circRNAs were identified, of which 305 circRNAs were differentially expressed in the SART compared with the PMM (p < 0.05). Functional enrichment analysis showed that differentially expressed circRNAs were involved in host gene expression and were enriched in the AMPK, calcium signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, and cellular senescence. Novel_circ_004282 and novel_circ_002121 played important roles in regulating oxidative myofibers by PPP3CA and NFATC1 expression. Using lncRNA-miRNA/circRNA-miRNA integrated analysis, we identified many candidate interaction networks that might affect muscle fiber performance. Important lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks, such as lncRNA-XR_003074785.1/miR-193-3p/PPARGC1A, regulate oxidative myofibers. This study reveals that lncXR_003077811.1, lncXR_003072304.1, lncXR_001465942.2, lncXR_001465741.2, lncXR_001470487.1, lncXR_003077673.1, XR_003074785.1, novel_circ_004282 and novel_circ_002121 might regulate oxidative myofibers. The lncRNA-XR_003074785.1/miR-193-3p/PPARGC1A pathway might regulate oxidative myofibers. All these findings provide rich resources for further in-depth research on the regulatory mechanism of lncRNAs and circRNAs in myofibers.

Deep sequencing microRNA profiles associated with wooden breast in commercial broilers.

Wooden breast (WB) is a muscle disorder affecting modern commercial broiler chickens that leads to a palpable firm pectoralis major muscle and causes severe reduction in meat quality, resulting in substantial economic losses for the poultry industry. Most studies have focused on the regulatory mechanisms underlying this defect with respect to the gene and protein expression levels as well as the levels of metabolites. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in human muscular disorders, such as the Duchenne muscular dystrophy, by regulating the muscle regeneration or fibrosis processes. In this study, we investigated the miRNAs and related pathways that play important roles in the development of WB. We generated the miRNA expression profiles of the pectoralis major muscle samples from 3 WB-affected and 3 nonaffected chickens selected from a commercial broiler population via small RNA sequencing. A total of 578 miRNAs were identified in the chicken breast muscles from the initial analysis of the sequencing data. Of these, 23 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed (false discovery rate [FDR] <0.05, log2|Foldchange| >1), including 20 upregulated and 3 downregulated miRNAs in the WB group compared to the normal group. Moreover, functional enrichment of the predicted target genes of differential miRNAs indicated that these miRNAs were involved in biological processes and pathways related to energy metabolism, apoptosis, focal adhesion, and development of blood vessels. Four differentially expressed miRNAs were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We also highlighted several differentially expressed miRNAs, such as gga-miR-155, gga-miR-29c, and gga-miR-133, for their potential roles in the regulation of the development of WB. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the miRNA expression profile of the breast muscle associated with WB. The findings of this study can be used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of other muscle disorders in broilers and provide valuable information for chicken breeding.

Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Seven Chinese Indigenous Chicken Populations in Guizhou Province.

To investigate the population structure and genetic diversity of indigenous chicken breeds in Guizhou, a total of 150 individual samples were collected from 12 breeds, including seven local chicken breeds in Guizhou Province, three Chinese native breeds found in other provinces, and two commercial breeds. The genotype datasets were obtained using a 50K single nucleotide polymorphism array method, and then a series of population analyses were performed. The obtained population parameters and linkage disequilibrium decay indicated a higher degree of genetic diversity in Guizhou chickens than in commercial breeds. Two Guizhou local breeds, Wumeng black-bone and Weining, were clustered with a breed from a neighboring province, Xinwen black-bone, which exhibited similar ancestral composition patterns. A newly found breed, Wumeng crested, had high genetic diversity and displayed genetic differences from other Guizhou breeds. These findings provide insight into the establishment of efficient conservation and utilization programs for Guizhou chicken breeds.

Identifying Signatures of Selection Related to Comb Development.

The aim of this study was to identify genes involved in comb development to provide insights into the molecular mechanism of chickens' comb formation. Fixation index (FST) and average number of base differences (π) of males with large and small combs were calculated based on whole-genome resequencing data. Chromosome regions with larger FST values and smaller π were considered candidate selection regions. Through further annotation of gene functions and pathways, we sought to screen possible selected genes associated with comb development. By screening whole genome resequencing data, FST and π were calculated using a 40 Kb sliding window strategy and eight regions were identified. Quantitative trait loci (QTL; FOX1 gene) related to comb length were found on chromosome 1. QTL (GLP1R, BTBD9, MIR6633, and MDGA1 genes) related to comb weight were found on chromosome 3. QTL (ALDH1A1, TMC1, and ANXA1 genes) associated with comb area were found on the Z chromosome. Nineteen genes, Wnt signaling pathway and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling pathway directly or indirectly related to comb growth and development were found through functional annotation and GO analysis. Among the selected genes LYN, GLP1R, FOX1, TBK1, STRAP, ST6GALNAC, and Wnt signaling pathways were related to immunity. MDGA1, BTBD9, MTSS1, SrGAPs, and neuroactive ligand receptor interaction signaling pathways related to neural function were screened. ALDH1A1, ANXAl, THBS, HIF-1α, and ACTN1 genes were related to heat dissipation. Among the selected genes FOX1, MDGAl, and ANXAl associated with immunity, neurological function, and heat dissipation function coincided with genes affecting the length, weight, and area of the comb. Comprehensive analysis suggested that comb development was due to multiple genes and signaling pathways.

miRNA-mRNA network regulation in the skeletal muscle fiber phenotype of chickens revealed by integrated analysis of miRNAome and transcriptome.

Skeletal muscle fibers are primarily categorized into oxidative and glycolytic fibers, and the ratios of different myofiber types are important factors in determining livestock meat quality. However, the molecular mechanism for determining muscle fiber types in chickens was hardly understood. In this study, we used RNA sequencing to systematically compare mRNA and microRNA transcriptomes of the oxidative muscle sartorius (SART) and glycolytic muscle pectoralis major (PMM) of Chinese Qingyuan partridge chickens. Among the 44,705 identified mRNAs in the two types of muscles, 3,457 exhibited significantly different expression patterns, including 2,364 up-regulated and 1,093 down-regulated mRNAs in the SART. A total of 698 chicken miRNAs were identified, including 189 novel miRNAs, among which 67 differentially expressed miRNAs containing 42 up-regulated and 25 down-regulated miRNAs in the SART were identified. Furthermore, function enrichment showed that the differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs were involved in energy metabolism, muscle contraction, and calcium, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), insulin and adipocytokine signaling. Using miRNA-mRNA integrated analysis, we identified several candidate miRNA-gene pairs that might affect muscle fiber performance, viz, gga-miR-499-5p/SOX6 and gga-miR-196-5p/CALM1, which were supported by target validation using the dual-luciferase reporter system. This study revealed a mass of candidate genes and miRNAs involved in muscle fiber type determination, which might help understand the molecular mechanism underlying meat quality traits in chickens.

Identification of molecular pathways and candidate genes associated with cocks' comb size trait by genome-wide transcriptome analysis.

The comb of the male is an important secondary sexual characteristic. Although quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to comb size have been identified, molecular mechanisms underlying this trait remain mostly unknown. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to compare whole transcriptomic differences between two groups of Partridge Shank chickens that are divergent in comb sizes. A total of 563 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 277 up-regulated and 286 down-regulated DEGs. According to the animal QTL database, eight DEGs including BMP2 and CHADL matching the reported QTLs were associated with the comb size. Functional annotation analysis revealed that DEGs were involved in cell communication and calcium signaling. Protein-protein interaction network analysis showed that STK32A, PIK3R1, EDN1, HSPA5, and HSPA8 have an impact on comb growth. Moreover, potential alternative splicing events and single nucleotide polymorphisms were also identified. Our data provide a source for identifying genes and pathways with functions critical to comb size and accelerate studies involving molecular mechanisms of this sexual ornament.