Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Genes Contributed to Min Pig Villi Hair Follicle in Different Seasons

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Dermatology
• Zoology

Background:

• The Min pig breed exhibits unique intermittent dermal villi and coat hair regeneration.
• The underlying regulatory mechanisms for these traits in Min pigs remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating dermal villi and hair follicle regeneration in Min pigs.
• To identify key genes and pathways involved in the seasonal hair growth patterns of this breed.

Main Methods:

• Phenotypic observation and detailed description of Min pig dermal villi.
• mRNA transcriptome sequencing of Min pig hair follicles.
• Differential gene expression analysis, K-means clustering, gene enrichment, network analysis, and methylation analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified 1520 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between seasons.
• Discovered significant seasonal differences in gene expression patterns.
• Hair growth is linked to desmosome composition, regulated by a network of eight core genes (DSP, DSC3, DSG4, PKP1, TGM1, KRT4, KRT15, KRT84), with PKP1 showing demethylation.

Conclusions:

• The study provides novel insights into the genetic regulation of hair growth and regeneration in Min pigs.
• Findings highlight the role of desmosomes and specific core genes in seasonal hair cycles.
• This research contributes to understanding diverse hair growth mechanisms across different breeds.