Multiple Cell Types Guided by Neurocytes Orchestrate Horn Bud Initiation in Dairy Goats

The study explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms of horn bud initiation in dairy goats using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on 8 goat fetuses at embryonic days 50, 60, and 70. It identifies key genes such as SOX10, NGFR, SNAI1, and TFAP2A, which are highly expressed in horn buds, and highlights the regulatory interactions between genes like FOXL2 and SOX9. The research reveals the roles of various cell types, including dermal, epithelial, endothelial, and nerve cells, in horn bud development, emphasizing the importance of nerve cells and their interactions with other cell types. The study also identifies significant signaling pathways, such as Wnt and TGF-β, involved in horn formation. These findings provide insights into the genetic and cellular factors driving horn bud development, which could aid in breeding hornless goat breeds for safer farming.