Genome-wide identification of circular RNAs to elucidate the genetic basis of disease resistance to Salmonella infection in Chicken

Salmonella infections have far-reaching implications for public health due to their potential to cause various human illnesses, ranging from gastroenteritis to more severe conditions like enteric fever. These infections are predominantly food-borne and are often linked to consuming contaminated meat products, with poultry being a common transmission source. Consequently, Salmonellosis ranks among the most prevalent food-borne illnesses, leading to substantial morbidity, hospitalizations, and even fatalities. In this study, we investigated the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in mediating the response to Salmonella Typhimurium infection in poultry, focusing on two chicken breeds: broiler (Cobb 430) (susceptible) and Kashmir Faverolla (resistant). Through high-throughput RNA sequencing, we identified and analyzed circRNA expression patterns in liver and spleen samples from both breeds. Results reveal a comprehensive catalog of circRNAs, with 26 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs identified across various comparison groups. Our study revealed that the circRNAs associated with genes conferring resistance to Kashmir Faverolla are predominantly located on chromosome 1, with a notable presence also observed on chromosome 4. Moreover, genes FGB, FGG , and ALB could play pivotal roles in mediating the response to Salmonella infection in poultry. Network analyses and protein-protein interaction networks shed light on the interconnectedness of genes like FGB, FGG , and ALB , suggesting their collaborative roles in mediating the response to Salmonella infection. Moreover, functional analyses uncover significant biological processes associated with target mRNAs, emphasizing their involvement in immune responses, infectious diseases, and molecular pathways. Keywords: Circular RNA; Salmonella; Infection; Chicken; Disease resistance.