Factors Influencing the Amino Acid and Peptide Transporter Proteins mRNA Expression in Avian Species.

The commercial strains of broiler chickens have genetically selected to reach market weight at younger ages. In order to sustain increased growth rate requires an efficient assimilation of nutrients from the intestinal lumen, which is permitted through nutrient assimilation through the enterocytes that is facilitated by many nutrient transporter proteins. These trans-membrane proteins have specific action, well known kinetics and assist in the partitioning of nutrients among tissues. Amino acids are transported across the plasma membrane as free amino acids or short chain peptides through several independent systems encoded by various nutrient transporter gene products, and these systems may act on multiple substrates. Any deficiency in amino acid and peptide transportation results in metabolic disorders, illustrating crucial roles being played by the body's ability to maintain amino acid homeostasis. The ability of tissues to adapt to changes in input of amino acids related to numerous external factors that negatively affect amino acids utilization appears to result from responses that alter nutrient transporter protein mRNA expression mandated for to maintain amino acid and protein homeostasis. This review summarizes the results of some recently published scientific articles on the effects of different factors that influence intestinal amino acid and peptide transporter proteins mRNA expressions in domestic fowl. Understanding the regulatory effects of diet on amino acid and peptide transport systems in tissues offers insight that ostensibly will help nutritionists to improve the efficiency of dietary protein utilization in poultry.