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Advances in Molecular Research of Animal Genetics and Genomics

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 450

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Frontier Science Center of Molecular Design Breeding, State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
2. National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
Interests: animal genetics; animal genomics; molecular breeding; genomic selection; host genetics and gut microbial interactions

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

The field of animal genetics and genomics is advancing at an unprecedented pace, driven by breakthroughs in high-throughput sequencing, gene editing, and bioinformatics. These molecular tools are revolutionizing our understanding of hereditary traits and providing powerful means to enhance animal breeding, health, and conservation. Against the backdrop of growing global demand for sustainable animal production and heightened concerns for animal welfare, leveraging these technological innovations has never been more critical. 

This Special Issue aims to compile cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews that explore the functional mechanisms and practical applications of molecular genetics in animals. We welcome contributions that utilize genomic selection, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), multi-omics integration, CRISPR-based genome engineering, and epigenomic analyses. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the genetic basis of disease resistance, productivity, reproduction, environmental adaptability, and the role of host–microbiome interactions. 

By bringing together recent discoveries and methodological advances, this Issue seeks to foster sustainable breeding strategies, improve animal health, and contribute to the genetic preservation of animal species. We look forward to your valuable contributions to this dynamic and impactful field. 

Dr. Congjiao Sun
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • animal genetics
  • animal genomics
  • molecular breeding
  • genetic improvement
  • molecular evolution
  • genomic selection
  • genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
  • CRISPR
  • multiomics analysis
  • animal conservation

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

20 pages, 718 KB  
Review
Potential Genetic Markers Associated with Coloration in Duck: A Review
by Muhammad Zahoor Khan, Qingshan Ma, Chunming Wang, Yongdong Peng, Mingxia Zhu and Changfa Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11460; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311460 - 26 Nov 2025
Viewed by 358
Abstract
Plumage coloration in ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) represents a complex polygenic trait of significant economic and biological importance in commercial poultry production. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on the genetic mechanisms underlying feather coloration in domestic ducks, with particular emphasis on [...] Read more.
Plumage coloration in ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) represents a complex polygenic trait of significant economic and biological importance in commercial poultry production. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on the genetic mechanisms underlying feather coloration in domestic ducks, with particular emphasis on melanin biosynthesis pathways and their regulatory networks. We systematically analyzed recent advances including genome-wide association studies, RNA sequencing, whole-genome resequencing, and population genetics approaches that have identified key candidate genes controlling duck pigmentation patterns. The melanogenesis pathway emerges as the central regulatory network, with nine core genes (MITF, MC1R, TYR, TYRP1, DCT, SOX10, KIT, EDNRB2, and MLANA) consistently associated with plumage coloration across multiple duck populations. The MITF functions as the master regulator, coordinating expression of the enzymatic triad (TYR, TYRP1, DCT) responsible for melanin synthesis, while MC1R serves as the primary receptor controlling eumelanin versus pheomelanin production ratios. Epistatic interactions between MITF and MC1R demonstrate the complexity of color inheritance, with MITF exhibiting dominant effects over MC1R in determining white versus black plumage phenotypes. Functional enrichment analyses confirm these genes’ central roles in melanin biosynthetic processes and tyrosine metabolism pathways. Additionally, recent studies have revealed the importance of regulatory mechanisms, including epigenetic modifications and tissue-specific expression patterns, in modulating final coloration phenotypes. Understanding these genetic determinants provides valuable insights for selective breeding programs aimed at optimizing esthetic and economic traits in duck production. This review establishes a foundation for future research in avian pigmentation genetics and offers practical applications for improving breeding efficiency and product quality in the global duck industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Research of Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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