Circ 0020938 Inhibits Hair Follicle Stem Cells Proliferation via the miR-142-5p/DSG4 Axis in Cashmere Goats

The study reveals that circ 0020938 inhibits the proliferation of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) in Shaanbei white cashmere goats by acting as a sponge for miR-142-5p, which alleviates the repression of DSG4, a protein essential for hair follicle differentiation. Overexpression of circ 0020938 reduces HFSC viability and downregulates proliferation markers, while miR-142-5p mimic increases HFSC viability. These findings highlight the regulatory role of circRNAs in hair follicle biology and suggest potential therapeutic targets for hair loss disorders.