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.
759 citations,
February 2009 in “Current Biology” Hair follicles are complex, dynamic mini-organs that help us understand cell growth, death, migration, and differentiation, as well as tissue regeneration and tumor biology.
62 citations,
January 2004 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” A second domain of high sulfur KAP genes on chromosome 21q23 is crucial for hair structure.
98 citations,
June 2001 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry” A cluster of sulfur-rich hair protein genes was found on chromosome 17.
194 citations,
May 2000 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” The hedgehog signaling pathway is crucial for hair growth but not for the initial creation of hair follicles.
1113 citations,
August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Hair follicle biology advancements may lead to better hair growth disorder treatments.
521 citations,
January 1954 in “Physiological Reviews” Hair growth is cyclic and influenced mainly by local factors.
2 citations,
February 2022 in “Genomics” 8 citations,
July 2020 in “BMC genomics” The research found genes that change during cashmere goat hair growth and could help determine the best time to harvest cashmere.
61 citations,
April 2013 in “PloS one” The study found key genes and pathways involved in cashmere goat hair growth stages.
22 citations,
July 2012 in “Journal of integrative agriculture/Journal of Integrative Agriculture” Hoxc13 is linked to seasonal hair growth in Cashmere goats and is affected by melatonin.
138 citations,
June 2007 in “Experimental cell research” Only a few hair-specific keratins are linked to inherited hair disorders.
29 citations,
April 2003 in “Experimental dermatology” Human hair follicles grown in vitro maintain normal keratin patterns and structure.
