Analysis of Histological and MicroRNA Profiles Changes in Rabbit Skin Development

The study analyzed histological traits and microRNA (miRNA) expression in Wan Strain Angora rabbits' skin during hair growth cycles post-plucking. Histological analysis showed hair follicles in telogen phase at week one, transitioning to anagen phase from week four to twenty-four. Over 24 million high-quality reads from skin samples identified 185 differentially expressed miRNAs, with 43 conserved and 142 novel. The study confirmed fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) as a target of two miRNAs and suggested miRNAs as potential regulators of hair follicle development. However, the study lacked histological analysis between weeks eight and twenty-four and did not quantify FGF5 protein. Future research was suggested to explore the functional roles of these miRNAs. The study's significance lies in understanding hair growth mechanisms and implications for rabbit fur production. Data were submitted to the Short Read Archive under accession numbers SRP191476 and PRJNA531523, with support from the China Agriculture Research System and Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation.