TLDR Disabling the FGF5 gene in sheep leads to longer wool.
The study demonstrated that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of the FGF5 gene in Chinese Merino fine wool sheep significantly increased wool staple length and yield without affecting wool fineness. Sixteen genetically modified lambs were produced, with 12 surviving for over a year. These lambs exhibited longer wool staple lengths (10.73 cm vs. 9.23 cm) and stretched lengths (12.29 cm vs. 10.86 cm) compared to controls, along with a significant increase in greasy fleece weight (3.74 kg vs. 2.96 kg). The predominant gene modifications led to non-functional FGF5 proteins, removing its inhibitory effect on wool growth, thereby enhancing wool production.
42 citations,
September 2015 in “Gene” FGF5s can block the effects of FGF5, which may help control hair growth in cashmere goats.
11 citations,
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136 citations,
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73 citations,
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52 citations,
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13 citations,
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11 citations,
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12 citations,
January 2021 in “International Journal of Biological Sciences” Scientists successfully edited a goat's genes to grow more and longer cashmere hair.
