Background: /aim: HMG-box protein 1 (HBP1) plays an important role in the senescence and apoptosis of mammalian cells, but its role in chicken cells remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HBP1 on senescence and apoptosis of chicken preadipocytes. Methods: The immortalized chicken preadipocyte cell line (ICP2) was used as a cell model. Chicken HBP1 knockout and overexpressing preadipocyte cell lines were established using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology and lentiviral infection. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of HBP1 and senescence markers p16 and p53. Cell senescence was measured by Sa-beta-Gal staining and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Results: HBP1 was highly expressed in senescent ICP2 cells compared with young ICP2 cells. After the deletion of HBP1, the degree of senescence, the apoptosis rate and the protein expression levels of p16 and p53 were significantly reduced. After the overexpression of HBP1, the degree of senescence, the apoptosis rate and the protein expression levels of p16 and p53 were significantly increased. Conclusion: HBP1 promotes the senescence and apoptosis of chicken preadipocytes. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.