RNA Chemical Marks Emerge as Hidden Regulators of Poultry Growth and Immunity

A narrative review published in the poultry science literature argues that epitranscriptomics, the study of chemical modifications on RNA molecules, represents a largely unexplored regulatory layer in birds, with potential consequences for growth, metabolism, and disease resistance in commercially vital species such as chickens.

Researchers have so far catalogued more than 170 distinct RNA modifications across a wide range of organisms. Among the best characterized are N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), pseudouridine, and 2′-O-methylation. These marks can alter RNA stability, splicing patterns, translation efficiency, and how cells respond to environmental stimuli, making them candidate controllers of traits that matter directly to poultry production.

The review emphasizes that the biological significance of these epitranscriptomic marks in birds remains largely unknown. That gap is consequential given the global economic weight of poultry production and the need to understand the molecular mechanisms governing growth efficiency, metabolic adaptation, immune competence, and disease resistance.

Technological progress is a central theme. Nanopore direct RNA sequencing allows analysis of native RNA molecules while preserving modification-associated signal patterns and avoiding the reverse-transcription and amplification biases that complicate other methods. This makes it possible, in principle, to map native modification landscapes directly in poultry tissues.

The authors caution, however, that detection accuracy and resolution depend on the modification type, sequencing chemistry, analytical model, read coverage, and the availability of appropriate controls. Because of these dependencies, modification calls often require orthogonal validation before they can be treated as reliable biological findings.

Combining nanopore sequencing with integrative multi-omics approaches, the review notes, offers unprecedented opportunities to chart tissue-specific and condition-dependent epitranscriptomic landscapes in poultry, linking RNA modification patterns to physiological states and production-relevant phenotypes.

Emerging evidence summarized in the review suggests RNA modifications may regulate muscle development, nutrient sensing, metabolic homeostasis, and both innate and adaptive immunity. The authors frame these as emerging associations that now require targeted experimental testing in avian systems rather than established causal mechanisms.

On the translational side, the review evaluates potential applications in precision poultry nutrition, marker-assisted breeding programs, and novel disease control strategies. It also identifies key knowledge gaps and future research priorities, aiming to bridge molecular understanding and practical application and to provide a framework for incorporating epitranscriptomics into poultry science and sustainable livestock production.

Subject of Research: RNA modifications as regulators of growth, immunity, and metabolism in poultry

Article Title: Epitranscriptomics in poultry: RNA modifications as emerging regulators of growth, immunity, and metabolism: a narrative review

Article References: Iftikhar, M., Tharwat, M., Jan, R. U., Shaukat, A., Nassar, N., Khan, A. Y., Alshanbari, F. A., & Rehman, S. U. (2026). Epitranscriptomics in poultry: RNA modifications as emerging regulators of growth, immunity, and metabolism: a narrative review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 13, Article 1950849. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1950849

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1950849

Keywords: epitranscriptomics, RNA modifications, m6A, poultry, nanopore sequencing, chicken, metabolism, immunity, muscle development, multi-omics, breeding, animal science