The Mechanisms of Fur Development and Color Formation in American Mink Revealed Using Comparative Transcriptomics

The study "The Mechanisms of Fur Development and Color Formation in American Mink Revealed Using Comparative Transcriptomics" analyzed the skin transcriptomes of 12 minks, divided into four groups based on age and color. The research identified 13 Keratin-associated protein genes (KRTAP) and five signaling pathways involved in mink fur development. The KRTAP genes were found to be downregulated in adult mink, suggesting they play a significant role in fur development. The study also found that the genes TYR, TYRP1, and TYRP2 are closely linked to mink fur color formation. TYR was highly expressed in young black mink, leading to increased production of eumelanin and darker hair color, while TYRP1 and TYRP2 were highly expressed in young white mink. The results suggest that genes regulating hair color are active in early development rather than in adulthood. These findings provide a reference for studying the molecular mechanisms of mink fur development and color formation.