Seasonal Variability in Transcript Expression of Type I and Type II Keratins in Wool Follicles of Lustrous Fleece-Producing Magra Sheep

The study on Magra sheep examined the seasonal variations in the expression of type I and type II keratin genes in wool follicles, focusing on their impact on wool luster. Wool samples were collected in February, July, and October and categorized by luster. Quantitative PCR analysis of 36 RNA samples showed that keratin genes, particularly K32, K40, and K82, were upregulated in high-luster wool, with significant expression differences noted in July and October. Sequence analysis revealed non-synonymous mutations in K40 and K82, though no direct link to luster was found. The study suggested that higher keratin protein levels might enhance wool luster, highlighting the importance of keratins in the cuticle and cortical regions.