Expression and Tissue Distribution Analysis of Vimentin and Transthyretin Proteins Associated With Coat Colors in Sheep (Ovis Aries)

The study investigated the role of vimentin (VIM) and transthyretin (TTR) proteins in the coat color formation of sheep by analyzing their expression in white and black sheep skins using various methods, including LC–ESI–MS/MS, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and qRT-PCR. Results showed that both VIM and TTR proteins were present in higher levels in black sheep skins compared to white sheep skins, and were notably detected in hair follicles, dermal papilla, and outer root sheath. The findings suggest that VIM and TTR are involved in the pigmentation process, contributing to the different coat color phenotypes in sheep.