The journal Nature Genetics publishes this week the first genome sequencing of a female duck . The work, led by the University of Pekin (China), identifies the genetic factors that influence the response of waterfowl to infection with avian influenza subtype H5N1 , which has contributed to creating widespread outbreaks in poultry. The duck's immune system allows it to be infected with bird flu and to remain in many cases asymptomatic.
“It is the first sequencing of one of the main natural carriers of the influenza A virus . Therefore, the sequence of the duck genome offers an important resource to characterize the interaction between the host and the virus, ”explained Ning Li, co-author of the work, in statements to the SINC agency.
When compared to genome sequencing from other birds and mammals, the duck showed fewer immunity-related genes than mammals, and similar to those seen in chicken and zebra finch genomes. By comparing gene expression in the lungs of ducks infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, the researchers identified genes whose expression patterns are altered in response to the virus.
Furthermore, according to Li, "the duck is also a good model for studying other diseases, such as hepatitis and fatty liver disease." / et al.
