TLDR Researchers identified genes and proteins that may influence wool thickness in sheep.
In the study conducted four years ago, researchers investigated the genetic factors influencing wool fibre diameter (WFD) by comparing gene expression patterns in the skin of Aohan fine wool sheep to those in small tail Han sheep, which have coarser wool. Using Agilent Sheep Gene Expression Microarray and proteomic technologies, they identified that genes potentially determining WFD fell into categories such as immune response, receptor binding regulation, and growth factor activity. Additionally, they found that certain gene families, including those related to growth factors, immune cytokines, solute carriers, cellular respiration, and glucose transport, might be involved in hair growth regulation. Proteomic analysis further revealed numerous proteins that were differentially expressed between the two sheep breeds.
10 citations,
September 2016 in “Animal genetics” Researchers identified key genes and proteins linked to wool growth in sheep.
61 citations,
April 2013 in “PloS one” The study found key genes and pathways involved in cashmere goat hair growth stages.
293 citations,
November 2011 in “Nature” The circadian clock affects skin stem cell behavior, impacting aging and cancer risk.
99 citations,
September 2007 in “The American journal of pathology” Chemotherapy damages hair follicles, causing hair loss and other cellular changes.
117 citations,
November 2006 in “Experimental Dermatology” The article concludes that the wool follicle is a valuable model for studying tissue interactions and has potential for genetic improvements in wool production.
550 citations,
December 2005 in “The Journal of clinical investigation/The journal of clinical investigation” Researchers successfully isolated and identified key markers of stem cell-enriched human hair follicle bulge cells.
92 citations,
December 2005 in “The Journal of clinical investigation/The journal of clinical investigation” Human hair follicle stem cells can be isolated using specific markers for potential therapeutic use.
479 citations,
January 2005 in “BioEssays” Hair follicle development is controlled by interactions between skin tissues and specific molecular signals.
4 citations,
September 2016 in “Molecular Medicine Reports” Specific genes influence hair and cashmere growth in Laiwu black goats.
4 citations,
October 2014 in “Journal of Integrative Agriculture” Researchers found 24 genes that change significantly and affect cashmere growth in goats; this could help increase cashmere production.
17 citations,
October 2017 in “Scientific reports” Fine wool sheep have more genes for wool quality, while coarse wool sheep have more for skin and muscle traits.
3 citations,
March 2023 in “Biology” Genes affecting wool fiber thickness in Angora rabbits were identified, which could help breed finer wool.
12 citations,
September 2018 in “Naturwissenschaften” Melatonin treatment increases a specific RNA in goat cells that boosts cashmere growth.
