Identification of Genes and Proteins Associated with Anagen Wool Growth

The study aimed to identify genes and proteins associated with anagen wool growth in Aohan fine wool sheep by comparing gene expression patterns in body side skin (more wool growing) and groin skin (no wool growing) using the Agilent Sheep Gene Expression Microarray and proteomic technology. The microarray analysis revealed 4772 differentially expressed probes, with 2071 upregulated and 2701 downregulated. Quantitative PCR verified these results, identifying 1099 unique genes/transcripts, with 926 annotated (352 upregulated and 574 downregulated). Notably, 13 genes were upregulated by more than 10 fold, and 60 genes were downregulated by more than 10 fold. The genes related to wool growth were linked to categories such as cell division regulation, intermediate filament, cytoskeletal part, and growth factor activity. Key gene families involved included fibroblast growth factors, transforming growth factor-β, WNTs, insulin-like growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factors. Proteomic analysis identified 196 differentially expressed protein points, with 121 identified as single protein points.