The Role of PPARβ/δ-Related Lipid Metabolism in High-Altitude Adaptation of Yak Coat Based on Proteomics and Metabolomics

This study examines the role of PPARβ/δ-related lipid metabolism in the adaptation of yak hair follicles to high-altitude environments using proteomic and metabolomic analyses. Researchers analyzed skin samples from five male yaks across different hair follicle growth stages, finding significant changes in lipid-related proteins and pathways, particularly involving unsaturated long-chain fatty acids. The PPARβ/δ signaling pathway was notably enriched, with its activation promoting lipid metabolism and cell proliferation in dermal papilla cells, while inhibition led to lipid accumulation and decreased proliferation. These findings suggest that PPARβ/δ is a critical regulator of hair follicle growth and adaptation in yaks to cold plateau environments.