TLDR Sheep have a unique gene, KAP8-2, that humans don't have, which may affect wool properties.
The study identified a new keratin-associated protein gene, KAP8-2, in sheep, which was absent in humans. This gene, located on sheep chromosome 1, exhibited two sequence variants and was rich in glycine and tyrosine but low in cysteine, with a unique high content of acidic amino acids. The research, involving 208 New Zealand Romney-cross sheep, suggested that KAP8-2 might play a role in the unique properties of sheep wool compared to human hair. The findings provided insights into genetic differences between species and contributed to the understanding of hair and wool fiber formation.
48 citations,
February 2010 in “Molecular biology reports” KAP7.1 and KAP8.2 genes are crucial for cashmere quality in goats.
117 citations,
November 2006 in “Experimental Dermatology” The article concludes that the wool follicle is a valuable model for studying tissue interactions and has potential for genetic improvements in wool production.
100 citations,
December 2002 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry” Researchers mapped and categorized specific keratin-associated protein genes on human chromosome 21q22.1.
10 citations,
November 2021 in “International journal of molecular sciences” Sheep and goat hair fibers are complex due to keratin-associated proteins, which are important for fiber properties and growth.
Variant G of the KRTAP20-1 gene improves wool curliness in Chinese Tan sheep.
1 citations,
September 2023 in “Animals” A new goat gene affects cashmere fiber thickness; certain variations can make the fibers coarser.
98 citations,
May 2016 in “Genes” Understanding wool keratin-associated proteins in sheep can help improve wool quality through selective breeding.
August 2019 in “Research Square (Research Square)” Certain long non-coding RNAs in cashmere goats affect hair growth when treated with a specific growth factor.
2 citations,
August 2022 in “Animals” Different versions of the KRTAP6-2 gene in goats can lead to thinner cashmere fibers.
