Identifying specific proteins involved in eggshell membrane formation using gene expression analysis and bioinformatics.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The avian eggshell membranes surround the egg white and provide a structural foundation for calcification of the eggshell which is essential for avian reproduction; moreover, it is also a natural biomaterial with many potential industrial and biomedical applications. Due to the insoluble and stable nature of the eggshell membrane fibres, their formation and protein constituents remain poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was to identify genes encoding eggshell membrane proteins, particularly those responsible for its structural features, by analyzing the transcriptome of the white isthmus segment of the oviduct, which is the specialized region responsible for the fabrication of the membrane fibres.

Results

The Del-Mar 14 K chicken microarray was used to

SUBMITTER: Du J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4608100 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature