Gene Expression Profiling in ovaries and association analysis reveal HEP21 as a candidate gene for chicken sexual maturity

The objective of this study was to identify candidate genes associated with sexual maturity and ovary development of chicken. Gene expression profiling sequencing analysis was employed using pre-laying (P-F-O1, L-F-O1) and laying ovaries (P-F-O2, L-F-O2) from two sub-breeds of Ningdu Yellow chicken. RNA-seq data and qPCR showed that HEP21 significantly differential expressed between the pre-pubertal ovary and pubertal ovary. A total of 23 variations were detected on HEP21. Association analysis between SNP in HEP21 and chicken reproductive traits showed that rs315156783 was significantly related to chicken comb height at 84 and 91 days. Overall design: Examination of mRNA profiles in 32-day-old early sexual maturity pre-laying-hen (P-F-O1), 103-day-old early sexual maturity laying-hen (P-F-O2), 32-day-old late sexual maturity pre-laying-hen (L-F-O1), and 153-day-old late sexual maturity pre-laying-hen (L-F-O2).