Identification of lncRNAs Involved in the Hair Follicle Cycle Transition of Cashmere Goats in Response to Photoperiod Change

This study explores the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the hair follicle cycle of cashmere goats, focusing on their response to photoperiod changes. By analyzing RNA-seq data from 39 skin samples, researchers identified 1,591 lncRNAs with stage-specific expression patterns. The study found that 68% of differentially photo-responsive lncRNAs showed similar expression trends during the transition from early anagen to anagen phase, indicating a light-controlled mechanism. Key lncRNAs and gene clusters were identified, suggesting that lncRNAs may regulate hair follicle development through interactions with clock genes, SLC superfamily genes, and fibroblast growth factor genes. The findings highlight the potential of lncRNAs in advancing the hair follicle cycle and their impact on cashmere growth through photoperiod manipulation.