Characterization of Four New Genes in the Ovine KAP19 Family

This study identified four new keratin-associated protein genes (KRTAP19-n) in sheep, expanding the ovine KRTAP19 gene family and revealing significant genetic diversity. The research involved 305 sheep from New Zealand and China, uncovering extensive nucleotide sequence variation, including both synonymous and non-synonymous SNPs. Notably, unique variants of sKRTAP19-4 and sKRTAP19-6 were found in Yanchi Tan sheep, suggesting a shared ancestral origin with Romanov sheep. These findings highlight the complex evolutionary dynamics of these genes and provide a foundation for future research into their role in regulating wool fiber characteristics and adaptation.