Increasing GSH-Px Activity and Activating Wnt Pathway Promote Fine Wool Growth in FGF5-Edited Sheep

    June 2024 in “ Cells ”
    Xueling Xu, Sujuan Wu, Shaohua Qi, Mingming Chen, Zhi Mei Liu, Rui Zhang, Yue Zhao, S.–J. Liu, Wendi Zhou, Jinlong Zhang, Xiaosheng Zhang, Shoulong Deng, Kun Yu, Yan Li, Zhengxing Lian
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    Studysummary In this study, researchers used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to edit the FGF5 gene in Dorper sheep, observing increased density and finer wool, along with changes in cortisol levels and antioxidant enzyme activity linked to hair follicle development.
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    The study investigated the effects of FGF5 gene editing on wool growth in four Dorper sheep using CRISPR/Cas9. The edited sheep showed significantly increased fine wool density and a higher proportion of fine wool (14.4–20.0 μm). FGF5 editing led to decreased cortisol levels, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity (including Glutathione peroxidase, GSH-Px), and activated the Wnt signaling pathway, promoting secondary hair follicle (SHF) development. These findings suggest that FGF5 is crucial for SHF growth and could be a molecular marker for fine wool production in sheep breeding.
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