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Exploring the Cyclic Patterns of Secondary Hair Follicles in Cashmere Goats Based on Skin Transcriptome Data
Gao Gong1, Yuekun Tang1, Jianqing Zhao1
1College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|July 28, 2026
Summary
This study identifies key genes regulating the cashmere goat secondary hair follicle cycle by analyzing transcriptome data. Findings reveal specific gene expression patterns linked to anagen, catagen, and telogen phases, crucial for cashmere production.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Textile Science
Background:
- Cashmere fibers are valuable textile materials derived from secondary hair follicles in cashmere goats.
- These follicles undergo a distinct annual cycle with anagen, catagen, and telogen phases.
- Understanding the genetic regulation of this cycle is vital for optimizing cashmere production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the regulatory factors controlling the cyclical dynamics of cashmere goat secondary hair follicles.
- To identify key genes and signaling pathways involved in the hair follicle cycle through re-analysis of skin transcriptome data.
Main Methods:
- Downloaded and re-analyzed skin transcriptome data from Inner Mongolian cashmere goats.
- Performed bioinformatics analyses including quality control, read mapping, differential gene expression analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, and KEGG pathway analysis.
- Identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and key regulatory genes based on expression patterns across different hair follicle cycle phases.
Main Results:
- Identified 1232 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across hair follicle cycle phases.
- KEGG pathway analysis highlighted the cAMP, relaxin, and estrogen signaling pathways in cashmere development.
- Selected five key genes (KRT25, KRT39, MAPK12, SPP1, TCHHL1) with distinct expression profiles correlating with specific phases of the hair follicle cycle.
Conclusions:
- Characterized regulatory genes of the secondary hair follicle cycle in cashmere goats at the transcriptional level.
- Established associations between the expression patterns of key genes (e.g., TCHHL1, MAPK12, SPP1, KRT39, KRT25) and hair follicle cycle regulation.
- Provides a foundation for understanding cashmere follicle biology and potential breeding strategies.
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