The chicken genome sequence and its utility for breeding.

摘要

In December 2004, the first version of the chicken genome sequence was published, only 3 years after the human genome was published. This work was the result of >10 years of research in the field of chicken genomics which started by genetic maps, followed by BAC clone libraries, cytogenetic maps including the microchromosomes, radiation hybrid maps and EST production. Indeed, all the mapping data available helped in the assembly of the final sequence. Similar to the first version of the human sequence assembly, the chicken genome needed improvement especially in the field of microchromosomes. Also, the task of annotating the genome will have to be pursued. Since the genome sequences of a number of vertebrate animals had been made, our information on chicken genome sequence will be improved through comparative studies. The availability of the chicken genome sequence will replace much of the molecular biology work that was necessary for the determination of the structure, function and polymorphism of genes by performing in silico analyses. This will also accelerate the development of molecular markers that can be used for the selection of phenotypes of interest in livestock production systems..