Integrated Analysis of lncRNAs and mRNAs by RNA-Seq in Secondary Hair Follicle Development and Cycling (Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen) of Jiangnan Cashmere Goat (Capra hircus)

The study analyzed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs in the secondary hair follicles of Jiangnan cashmere goats during different hair growth stages using RNA sequencing. It identified 10,054 new genes, including 228 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 256 differentially expressed lncRNAs, with significant gene expression variations noted in the telogen phase. The research highlighted the role of lncRNAs in hair follicle morphogenesis and their involvement in key signaling pathways like WNT and Hippo. The study provided insights into the genetic regulation of hair follicle development, which is crucial for improving cashmere quality and yield, despite the limitation of incomplete goat genomic annotation.