MicroRNA-181a Targets GNAI2 and Affects the Proliferation and Induction Ability of Dermal Papilla Cells: Potential Involvement of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

This study explores the role of microRNA-181a (miR-181a) in the proliferation and induction ability of ovine dermal papilla cells (DPCs), which are essential for hair follicle growth. It finds that miR-181a inhibits these processes by targeting the GNAI2 gene, affecting the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. Overexpression of miR-181a reduces cell viability and proliferation, while its inhibition promotes them. The study also shows that miR-181a suppresses genes related to induction ability, such as FGF7, IGF1, and Versican. These findings suggest miR-181a's significant role in regulating wool follicle growth in Hu sheep, highlighting potential targets for hair growth therapies.