Identification of Ovine KRTAP28-1 and Its Association with Wool Fiber Diameter

The study identified a novel keratin-associated protein gene, KRTAP28-1, in sheep, which was associated with wool fiber diameter. Researchers analyzed 383 Southdown × Merino-cross lambs and found six variants of KRTAP28-1, containing eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a TG repeat polymorphism. Genotypes AB and BD were linked to smaller mean fiber diameter (MFD) compared to genotype BC, suggesting KRTAP28-1's potential as a genetic marker for improving wool traits. The study highlighted significant sequence variability and recommended further research to explore the gene's effects in a larger sheep population.