Sequence, Expression, and Evolutionary Conservation of a Gene Encoding a Glycine/Tyrosine-Rich Keratin-Associated Protein of Hair

The study focused on the glycine/tyrosine-rich keratin-associated proteins encoded by the KAP6 gene family, particularly in sheep and rabbits. Researchers sequenced a partial wool follicle cDNA clone for a sheep KAP6 protein and isolated the corresponding gene, revealing a protein with 82 amino acids and a high glycine and tyrosine content. The KAP6 genes were found to be conserved across species, with an 89% nucleotide sequence identity between sheep and rabbit genes, indicating strong evolutionary selection. Expression analysis showed that KAP6 genes are active in the hair shaft cortex of wool and hair follicles, with expression patterns varying among follicles and starting relatively late in differentiation. The study highlighted conserved sequence motifs that might regulate gene expression.