Comprehensive Analysis of the Circular RNA Expression Profile and CircRNA–miRNA–mRNA Network in the Goat Skin with Divergent Wool Curvature

This study analyzed the circular RNA (circRNA) expression profile in the skin of Zhongwei goats at two developmental stages to understand their role in wool curvature. Researchers identified 158 differentially expressed circRNAs and constructed a circRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory network. Key circRNAs, such as circRNA8782, were found to influence hair follicle development and wool curvature through pathways like Ras and Jak-STAT signaling. Knockdown experiments showed that circRNA8782 is crucial for fibroblast proliferation and cell cycle regulation, suggesting its importance in wool growth. The findings provide potential targets for improving wool curvature characteristics in Zhongwei goats.