Acta Veterinaria et Zootechnica Sinica ›› 2025, Vol. 56 ›› Issue (12): 5943-5951.doi: 10.11843/j.issn.0366-6964.2025.12.001

• REVIEW • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research Advances and Future Perspectives of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Technology in Poultry

DONG Tianshu1,2, KE Wentao1,2, LIANG Hao1,2, LI Shaoming1,2, LI Peng1,2, WANG Jiaxiang1*, WU Yan2*, PI Jinsong2, XIE Yang3, LUAN Yan3   

  1. 1. College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China;
    2. Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China;
    3. Yiling District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service Center, Yichang 443100, China
  • Received:2025-05-12 Published:2025-12-24

Abstract: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is revolutionizing poultry biology research by resolving cellular heterogeneity and dynamic gene expression at single-cell resolution. This review systematically summarizes the advances in scRNA-seq applications for poultry: the technology enables cell-by-cell analysis, offering novel strategies to enhance egg production efficiency, improve meat quality, and boost disease resistance. However, current research faces bottlenecks including incomplete cellular atlas coverage, scarce functional validation systems, and high agricultural conversion costs. Future efforts should prioritize developing low-cost sequencing, integrating multi-omics data (e.g., scATAC-seq and metabolomics), and implementing targeted validation via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated avian models. These approaches will drive intelligent design of precision breeding and reproductive regulation. This review provides theoretical foundations and technical prospects for deciphering cell fate determination mechanisms in poultry and their practical applications.

Key words: single-cell RNA sequencing, avian follicular development, egg-laying traits, poultry breeding

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