Identification of the Key Genes Associated with Different Hair Types in the Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goat

June 2022 in “ Animals ”

Gao Gong, Yixing Fan, Wenze Li, Xiaochun Yan, Xiaomin Yan, Ludan Zhang, Na Wang, Oljibilig Chen, Yanjun Zhang, Ruijun Wang, Zhihong Liu, Wei Jiang, Jinquan Li, Minghao Yin, Qi Lv, Rui Su

KRT39 KRT74 arginine metabolism proline metabolism MAPK signaling pathway gene expression coexpression modules hair types molecular markers hair growth

TLDR Key genes, including KRT39 and KRT74, influence hair length in Inner Mongolia cashmere goats.

The study identified key genes associated with different hair types in Inner Mongolia cashmere goats using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Researchers analyzed 42 skin samples from 12-month-old goats, focusing on the magenta module, which contained 128 genes and showed a strong correlation with hair types. Key genes such as KRT39, KRT74, KRT9, KRT25, and KRT27 were significantly different between long-hair and short-hair goats, with higher expression in long-hair goats. These genes were involved in cellular components like intermediate filaments and pathways such as arginine metabolism. The findings suggested these genes could regulate hair types and serve as molecular markers for hair growth, aiding in the genetic improvement of cashmere goats.

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