Work

Role of PI3K gene family as a molecular hub for regulation of growth and immunity: Potential implications for sustainable poultry production

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are a conserved family of lipid kinases that link extracellular stimuli to intracellular signaling events for growth, metabolism, reproduction, immunity, and stress adaptation. The PI3K genes in chicken (Gallus gallus) play a vital role in economic traits, such as muscle growth, feed efficiency, production, and disease resistance. The chicken PI3K family consists of 16 members having only catalytic, regulatory, adaptor, and inhibitor sub-units, respectively, with characteristic functions in physiologic processes in PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and corresponding networks. Growing evidence suggests role of gene variants in the PI3K gene family (such as SNPs and CNVs), for functional activity in specifying phenotypic diversity in various poultry breeds. The PI3K genes, in addition to basic biology, are promising targets for marker-assisted selection, nutritional regulation, and immunomodulation in poultry production. Opportunities lie in exploring multi-omics methodologies, CRISPR/Cas9-based PI3K editing, and functional validation in avian systems in order to tap PI3K pathways in enhancing productivity, resilience, and sustainability in the poultry sector.

Source: Poultry Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2026.106667

Authors: Yong Chen, Muhammad Mujeeb Ullah, Hanan Al-Khalaifah, Faiz-ul Hassan

Institutions: Jiangsu University, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

Language: English

Topic: Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,600