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Review
. 2021 Jul;100(7):101164.
doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101164. Epub 2021 Mar 26.

Chicken embryo as a model in epigenetic research

Marek Bednarczyk  1 , Aleksandra Dunislawska  2 , Katarzyna Stadnicka  2 , Ewa Grochowska  2
Affiliations
Review

Chicken embryo as a model in epigenetic research

Marek Bednarczyk et al. Poult Sci. 2021 Jul.

Abstract

Epigenetics is defined as the study of changes in gene function that are mitotically or meiotically heritable and do not lead to a change in DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications are important mechanisms that fine tune the expression of genes in response to extracellular signals and environmental changes. In vertebrates, crucial epigenetic reprogramming events occur during early embryogenesis and germ cell development. Chicken embryo, which develops external to the mother's body, can be easily manipulated in vivo and in vitro, and hence, it is an excellent model for performing epigenetic studies. Environmental factors such as temperature can affect the development of an embryo into the phenotype of an adult. A better understanding of the environmental impact on embryo development can be achieved by analyzing the direct effects of epigenetic modifications as well as their molecular background and their intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance. In this overview, the current possibility of epigenetic changes during chicken embryonic development and their effects on long-term postembryonic development are discussed.

Keywords: chicken embryo; epigenetics; in ovo; primordial germ cells.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
An in ovo model for studying the mechanisms of potential inheritance of the epigenetic code The chicken-based model of inheritance of the epigenetic code includes the analysis of PGCs in the embryo receiving an epigenetic impact. The environmental factors/stressors or in ovo application of bioactive compounds (pro/synbiotics, vitamins, and nutrients) may induce epigenetic alterations in genes during prenatal development of chicken. PGCs may transmit the changed epigenome to the consecutive generation(s). Therefore, the analysis of the transcriptome of PGCs and tissues prior to the epigenetic impact in the hatched chickens and in the next generation will allow to analyze heritability of the altered epigenome. PGCs: primordial germ cells; E: day of embryo incubation; F: filial generation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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