Variation in the Caprine Keratin-Associated Protein 15-1 (KAP15-1) Gene Affects Cashmere Fibre Diameter

The study identified the KRTAP15-1 gene in goats and examined its variation using PCR-SSCP in 250 Longdong goats, revealing six variants with eight SNPs. Five SNPs were non-synonymous, potentially altering amino acids. KRTAP15-1 was expressed in secondary hair follicles but not in other tissues. The protein was rich in cysteine, serine, glycine, and phenylalanine. Variant A of KRTAP15-1 was associated with decreased mean fibre diameter (MFD) and appeared dominant, while variant C was linked to increased MFD and was recessive. The study concluded that KRTAP15-1 is highly polymorphic and influences cashmere fibre diameter.