Gene Expression Profiling Analysis Reveals Fur Development in Rex Rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus)

The study investigated gene expression related to fur development in Chinchilla rex rabbits by comparing transcriptomes from back and belly tissues. A total of 336 genes showed altered expression, with 285 upregulated and 51 downregulated. Key signaling pathways identified included Wnt and MAPK, which are involved in skin and hair follicle development, as well as epidermal cell and keratinocyte differentiation. The study provided comprehensive gene expression data for genes such as SFRP2, FRZB, CACNG1, SLC25A4, and SLC16A3. Validation of RNA-seq data was performed using qRT-PCR on eight differentially expressed genes, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms of fur development.