Role of Csdc2 in Regulating Secondary Hair Follicle Growth in Cashmere Goats

The study explores the role of the transcription factor Csdc2 in secondary hair follicle growth in cashmere goats, crucial for cashmere production. Csdc2 is primarily expressed in the hair bulb during the anagen phase and is essential for SHF growth by influencing cell proliferation and the expression of key genes in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Knockdown of Csdc2 decreases the expression of important genes like Lef1, Ctnnb1, and Bmp2, which are vital for hair follicle development. The study identifies Robo2 as a potential target gene of Csdc2, with Csdc2 positively regulating Robo2 expression. These findings provide a foundation for further exploration of the mechanisms governing SHF growth and suggest potential molecular breeding strategies to improve cashmere yield.