Transcriptomic Analysis Provides Molecular Insights Into Skin Development In Dezhou Donkey Foals
January 2026
in “
Veterinary Sciences
”
RNA-sequencing differentially expressed genes ECM-receptor interaction PI3K-Akt signaling WNT signaling TGF-β signaling keratin WNT genes collagen hair follicle development RNA-seq gene expression extracellular matrix protein kinase B wingless-related integration site transforming growth factor beta skin barrier function
TLDR Skin maturation in Dezhou donkey foals involves better barrier function, hair growth, and less collagen production.
The study on Dezhou donkey foals analyzed transcriptomic differences in skin development between newborns and one-year-olds using RNA sequencing on samples from 13 animals. It identified 9,878 differentially expressed genes, with significant changes in pathways like ECM-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling, WNT signaling, and TGF-β signaling. Notably, there was an up-regulation of keratin and WNT family genes, enhancing barrier function and hair follicle development, and a down-regulation of collagen and TGF-β signaling components, indicating reduced collagen synthesis. These findings provide insights into mammalian skin development and have potential veterinary applications, despite limitations such as the small sample size and lack of histological validation.
