Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals Key Genes Associated With Hair Follicle Development in Qianhua Mutton Merino

This study investigated the gene expression profiles of hair follicles in newborn and one-year-old Qianhua Mutton Merino sheep to understand the molecular mechanisms of hair follicle development. Using transcriptome sequencing, 1,637 differentially expressed genes were identified, with significant enrichment in pathways like PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and Estrogen signaling. Key genes such as KRT27, IGF-2, FGF21, VEGF-D, KRT25, and KRT26 were highlighted as crucial for hair follicle development. The study found that the density of hair follicles decreased with age, while the S/P ratio increased. These findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding wool trait formation in these sheep.