Differential Expression of KRT83 Regulated by the Transcription Factor CAP1 in Chinese Tan Sheep

The study investigated the expression of the KRT83 gene, crucial for hair development, in Chinese Tan sheep, comparing 1-month-old lambs with curly fleece to 48-month-old adults with less curly fleece. KRT83 was highly expressed in the skin of lambs but significantly reduced in adults. The core promoter region of KRT83 was identified, and CAP1 was found to bind to this region, negatively regulating KRT83 expression. Overexpression of CAP1 repressed KRT83 promoter activity, suggesting CAP1's role in the phenotypic change of fleece as the sheep age. The study provided insights into the transcriptional regulation of KRT83 and its impact on fleece characteristics.