Investigation of the UTS2D Gene as a QTL for Ascites in Broilers

Our group has been investigating the underlying physiology, histopathology, and genetics of Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension (IPAH) or ascites in chickens. We have mapped regions associated with susceptibility or resistance to ascites, including one region on chromosome 9 that includes UTS2D (Urotensin 2 Domain Containing). Since UTS2D is known to mediate vascular hypoxic response in mammals, we hypothesize that it might play a key role in the development of ascites in chickens. Sequence analyses identified intronic SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) in UTS2D. We developed qPCR assays to these SNPs to measure the extent of any association of this region with ascites susceptibility in our ascites lines and commercial lines of broilers. Our group has demonstrated many similarities between IPAH in chickens and in humans, so defining the role of UTS2D in chicken IPAH may contribute to our understanding of IPAH in humans, as well as identify targets for selection in broiler breeding programs.