TLDR Researchers identified a new variant of the FGF5 gene in sheep that affects hair length.
In this study, researchers successfully cloned, sequenced, and characterized the full-length FGF5 cDNA from Chinese Merino sheep, revealing that the FGF5 gene spanned 21,743 bp of genomic DNA and consisted of 3 exons and 2 introns. They identified two mRNA splicing variants, FGF5 and FGF5S, with molecular weights of 34 kDa and 17 kDa, respectively. Expression analysis showed that FGF5S mRNA was restricted to the brain, spleen, and skin tissues. Additionally, 72 genetic variants of the FGF5 gene were discovered. These findings provided insights into the functions of the FGF5 gene in Chinese Merino sheep and its potential role in wool follicle regulation.
75 citations
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September 2007 in “Journal of Heredity” FGF5 gene mutations cause long hair in domestic cats.
117 citations
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November 2006 in “Experimental Dermatology” The article concludes that the wool follicle is a valuable model for studying tissue interactions and has potential for genetic improvements in wool production.
73 citations
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June 2006 in “Animal genetics” The FGF5 gene determines hair length in dogs.
December 2024 in “Frontiers in Veterinary Science” Dorper sheep's wool shedding is linked to specific genes and pathways, which may help understand human hair growth.
August 2019 in “Research Square (Research Square)” Certain long non-coding RNAs in cashmere goats affect hair growth when treated with a specific growth factor.
59 citations
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February 2019 in “BMC Genomics” Hair length in rabbits is linked to differences in lipid metabolism and cell death.
7 citations
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January 2020 in “Scientific Reports” Rabbit skin analysis showed changes in hair growth and identified miRNAs that may regulate hair follicle development.
23 citations
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May 2020 in “Cell Death and Disease” Blocking the FGF5 gene in sheep leads to more fine wool and active hair follicles due to changes in certain cell signaling pathways.
