TLDR A special gene region controls the re-emergence of a primitive wool type in Merino sheep, improving their wool yield and adaptability.
The study investigates the epigenetic mechanisms involving Gtl2-miRNAs that contribute to the primitive wool characteristics in purebred Merino sheep. Researchers found that the ancestral-like coarse (ALC) wool type, which is maternally inherited, is regulated by the Gtl2-miRNAs locus on chromosome 18. This regulation involves the inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis in wool follicle stem cells, leading to better growth, wool yield, and environmental adaptability. The findings suggest that leveraging these epigenetic mechanisms could enhance breeding strategies for improved production and adaptability traits in sheep. Various analyses, including RNA sequencing and knockout mice models, supported these conclusions.
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