Dynamic Changes of Genomic Methylation Profiles at Different Growth Stages in Chinese Tan Sheep

This study investigated the dynamic changes in genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in Tan sheep at three growth stages: 1 month (mon1), 24 months (mon24), and 48 months (mon48). Using 11 skin samples, researchers identified differentially methylated genes (DMGs) between these stages, with 52, 288, and 236 DMGs found between mon1 vs. mon24, mon1 vs. mon48, and mon24 vs. mon48, respectively. The study highlighted the enrichment of DMGs in the MAPK and WNT signaling pathways, which are related to age growth and hair follicle morphogenesis. Notably, KRT71 and CD44 were highly methylated in mon1, while ROR2 and ZDHHC13 were highly methylated in mon48. These findings provided insights into the potential for developing strategies to retain the economically valuable "nine bends" fur characteristic in Tan sheep.