TLDR High wool density in Rex rabbits is linked to specific gene activity affecting hair follicle development.
This study investigated the gene expression profiles in foetal skin of Rex rabbits with varying wool densities using the Agilent rabbit gene expression microarray. It identified 1,342 differentially expressed probes between high and low wool density rabbits, with 950 upregulated and 392 downregulated. Gene ontology analysis showed that upregulated probes were mainly receptors, while downregulated ones were DNA binding molecules. Pathway analysis indicated involvement of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Eph signalling pathways. The study suggested that transforming growth factor-beta 1, growth hormone receptor, and keratin-associated protein 6.1 genes, along with Shh and Eph pathways, played roles in hair follicle development in Rex rabbits.
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