Evidence of balanced diversity at the chicken interleukin 4 receptor alpha chain locus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The comparative analysis of genome sequences emerging for several avian species with the fully sequenced chicken genome enables the genome-wide investigation of selective processes in functionally important chicken genes. In particular, because of pathogenic challenges it is expected that genes involved in the chicken immune system are subject to particularly strong adaptive pressure. Signatures of selection detected by inter-species comparison may then be investigated at the population level in global chicken populations to highlight potentially relevant functional polymorphisms.

Results

Comparative evolutionary analysis of chicken (Gallus gallus) and zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) genes identified interleukin 4 receptor alpha-chain (IL-4Ralpha), a key cytokin

SUBMITTER: Downing T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3224688 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature