Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Genomic Variations and Signatures of Selection in Wuhua Yellow Chicken

Version 1 : Received: 6 June 2020 / Approved: 7 June 2020 / Online: 7 June 2020 (14:42:23 CEST)

How to cite: Weng, Z.; Xu, Y.; Li, W.; Chen, J.; Zhong, M.; Zhong, F.; Du, B.; Zhang, B.; Huang, X. Genomic Variations and Signatures of Selection in Wuhua Yellow Chicken. Preprints 2020, 2020060089. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202006.0089.v1 Weng, Z.; Xu, Y.; Li, W.; Chen, J.; Zhong, M.; Zhong, F.; Du, B.; Zhang, B.; Huang, X. Genomic Variations and Signatures of Selection in Wuhua Yellow Chicken. Preprints 2020, 2020060089. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202006.0089.v1

Abstract

Chickens have extensive phenotypic variation. The Wuhua yellow chicken (WHYC) is an important traditional yellow-feathered chicken in China, characterized by white tail feathers, white flight feathers, and strong disease resistance. However, the genomic basis of traits associated with WHYC is still poorly understood. In this study, whole genome resequencing was performed with an average coverage of 20.77-fold to investigate heritable variation and identify selection signals in WHYC. Reads were mapped onto the chicken reference genome (Galgal5) with a coverage of 85.95%. After quality control, 11,953,471 SNPs and 1,069,574 InDels were obtained. In addition, 41,408 structural variants and 33,278 copy number variants were found. A comparative genomic analysis of WHYC and other yellow-feathered chicken showed that selected regions were enriched in genes involved in transport and catabolism, immune system, infectious diseases, signal transduction, and signaling molecules and interaction. Several genes associated with disease resistance were identified, including IFNA, IFNB, CD86, IL18, IL11RA, VEGFC, and ATG10. Furthermore, PMEL and TYRP1 may contribute to the coloring of white feathers in WHYC. These findings improve our understanding of the genetic characteristics of WHYC and may contribute to future breed improvement.

Keywords

Wuhua yellow chicken; whole genome resequencing; heritable variation; selection signal

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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