Transcriptomic Analysis Provides Molecular Insights Into Skin Development In Dezhou Donkey Foals

January 2026 in “ Veterinary Sciences ”

Tong Li, Honglei Qu, Liyuan Wang, Qiugang Ma, C. Z. Wang, Muhammad Zahoor Khan, Wenqiong Chai

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.

This study on Dezhou donkey foals used RNA-sequencing to analyze skin development, comparing newborns (Y0) and one-year-olds (Y1). From 13 donkeys, 133.66 Gb of data revealed 9878 differentially expressed genes, with 4252 up-regulated and 5626 down-regulated in Y1. Key pathways identified include ECM–receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt, WNT, and TGF-β signaling. Notably, keratin and WNT genes were up-regulated, while collagen and TGF-β signaling components were down-regulated in Y1. These findings suggest that skin maturation involves improved barrier function, hair follicle development, and decreased collagen synthesis, offering insights into mammalian skin development and veterinary applications.

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