Sequence Variation in Caprine KRTAP6-2 Affects Cashmere Fiber Diameter

The study "Sequence Variation in Caprine KRTAP6-2 Affects Cashmere Fiber Diameter" involved 230 Longdong cashmere goats and identified the gene KRTAP6-2, previously described in sheep, in goats. The researchers found five different sequences (A to E) with 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), a three-nucleotide sequence variation, and a 12-bp insertion/deletion. Most importantly, the presence of variant D was associated with a decreased mean fiber diameter (13.26 ± 0.07 µm when present vs. 13.55 ± 0.04 µm when absent; p < 0.001). This suggests that variation in KRTAP6-2 may affect fiber diameter and could be used as a molecular marker for improving the cashmere fiber diameter trait.