Transcriptomic profiling of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli during embryonic infection

This project investigates the transcriptional responses of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) during embryonic infection in chickens. RNA sequencing was performed on APEC isolated from yolk samples of experimentally infected dead and live embryos, as well as in vitro cultures. Differential gene expression and interaction analyses were used to identify pathways associated with bacterial survival, including energy metabolism, iron acquisition, arginine metabolism, and flagellar motility. The study provides insights into host-pathogen interactions and factors determining bacterial persistence or clearance during embryonic infection.