Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of Keratin Genes (KRTs) Family in Yak (Bos Grunniens)
April 2022
in “
Gene
”
keratin genes KRTs type I keratins type II keratins phosphorylation sites nucleus cytoskeleton cytoplasm hair cycle hair follicle cycle gene expression KRT40 KRT5 KRT1 KRT2 KRT10 KRT4 KRT9 KRT39 KRT24 cell cycle regulation melanogenesis hair follicle development keratinocyte proliferation keratin hair follicle cell cycle melanin production hair growth skin cell growth
TLDR Scientists found 53 keratin genes in yaks that are important for hair growth and share similarities with those in other animals.
This study systematically identified and characterized 53 keratin genes (KRTs) in the yak genome, including 23 type I and 30 type II keratins. Bioinformatics analysis revealed conserved domains and multiple phosphorylation sites, with subcellular localization predicted in the nucleus, cytoskeleton, and cytoplasm. The study also demonstrated five distinct expression patterns of KRTs throughout the hair cycle, with Cluster II being the most prominent. Nine hub keratin genes were identified using the WGCNA method, showing strong correlations with hair follicle development and other cellular processes. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary relationships of keratins in yaks.
