biostudies-literatureXue Y"JBGS" Project of Seed Industry Revitalization in Jiangsu ProvinceBiological Breeding-National Science and Technology Major ProjectQinghai Provincial Science and Technology ProgrammeYangzhou University International Academic Exchange Fund1024https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12604351biostudies-literatureUnknown26(1)All identified genes on the avian W chromosome have homologous counterparts on the Z chromosome, with protein-coding genes showing over 90% homology. These W-linked genes are typically dose-sensitive and conserved, ensuring balanced expression between sexes during development. This study explores the sequence characteristics, expression patterns, and potential functions of the RASA1 gene in chicken embryos. In gonads, RASA1-Z was found to be more highly expressed in males, but total mRNA levels (RASA1-C) were higher in females due to RASA1-W compensation. However, RASA1 protein levels were significantly higher in males, suggesting limited contribution of RASA1-W. Knockdown of RASA1-Z reduced both mRNA and protein levels, whereas overexpression of RASA1-W increased mRNA but not protein leveBMC genomicsRASA1 expression highlights Z/W dosage dynamics and gonadal development in chickens.PMC126043512023ZD04053[JBGS[2021]0272022-NK-108YZUF2022207Geng TZhao MGong DLv MLi JSu RLiu LZhao DXue YfalseRASA1 expression highlights Z/W dosage dynamics and gonadal development in chickens.All identified genes on the avian W chromosome have homologous counterparts on the Z chromosome, with protein-coding genes showing over 90% homology. These W-linked genes are typically dose-sensitive and conserved, ensuring balanced expression between sexes during development. This study explores the sequence characteristics, expression patterns, and potential functions of the RASA1 gene in chicken embryos. In gonads, RASA1-Z was found to be more highly expressed in males, but total mRNA levels (RASA1-C) were higher in females due to RASA1-W compensation. However, RASA1 protein levels were significantly higher in males, suggesting limited contribution of RASA1-W. Knockdown of RASA1-Z reduced both mRNA and protein levels, whereas overexpression of RASA1-W increased mRNA but not protein leve2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Nov2026-05-17T03:15:43.603Z2026-05-17T03:08:07.572ZS-EPMC126043514121453410.1186/s12864-025-12222-4