NGS gene expression analysis in the shell gland of hens laying eggs differing in cuticle deposition

The cuticle of an egg is formed in the shell gland and we know there is considerable genetic variation in cuticle deposition and we can use hormonal treatments to produce eggs without cuticles. In an effort to try to understand more about the factors which may control variation in cuticle deposition, we have analysed global gene expression in the shell gland with a view to elucidating the molecular mechanisms and biological pathways involved in cuticle deposition in the shell gland. In order to do that we have sequenced RNA from 8 biological replicate samples of chicken shell gland. In this experiment we compare the top and the tail of the distribution for cuticle deposition.