Fig. 6

The hypothetical model showing the identified genes and their predicted roles associated with egg-white formation. Solute carriers such as SLC1A4, SLC7A11, SLC7A7, and SLC6A17 may expedite the transport of precursor molecules for protein synthesis. Proteases such as CAPN2, TMPRSS9, MMP1, and MMP9 may be involved in protein maturation and activation, ECM degradation, and angiogenesis for the delivery of molecules from blood circulation so that the magnum epithelium can utilize them for the synthesis of egg-white proteins. Upregulated PHGDH, PSPH, and PSAT1 suggest their active role in the synthesis of amino acids that are basic units of the complex albumen proteins. Increased expression of Relaxin-3 and renin-angiotensin system (REN and ACE) may be linked to their participation in the transport of egg through the oviduct controlling how long the egg stays in the magnum for efficient protein deposition around the yolk. In addition to those genes involved in biosynthesis, some other genes which have a protective function to the egg such as, avidin, avian-beta-defensin 11, and glutathione peroxidase are also incorporated in the egg albumen