mRNA transcriptome profiling of ileum in Japanese quails differing in their Phosphorus utilization

Phosphorus (P) is essential for metabolism and homeostasis of living organisms. However, a major source of P in animal feed comes in a form of inositol phosphate (InsPx) which is inefficiently used by monogastrics animals due to an intrinsic minimal activity of endogenous phytase. This study aims to understand molecular mechanisms of P utilization in quails using an mRNA-Seq analysis of high- and low-P utilization quails selected from discordant sib pairs from different families. The results of differentially expressed genes and pathways related to P utility should serve as an important knowledge for field applications aiming to improve P utility in animal production and to reduce source of P pollution into environment.