Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveals the Molecular Anatomy of Sheep Hair Follicle Heterogeneity and Wool Curvature

This study utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind hair follicle development and wool curvature in sheep. Researchers prepared single-cell suspensions from the skins of lambs with curly and straight wool, resulting in 15,830 single-cell transcriptomes. They identified 19 distinct cell populations and characterized them based on specific gene expression profiles. The study also used pseudotime ordering analysis to construct a differentiation trajectory for matrix cell lineage, revealing dynamic gene expression as matrix progenitors differentiate into hair shaft and inner root sheath cells. Intercellular communication was analyzed using CellChat and known ligand-receptor pairs, uncovering strong signaling pathways. Additionally, the study identified differentially expressed genes between straight and curly wool, providing insights into the molecular basis of wool curvature. These findings offer a comprehensive view of the molecular anatomy of sheep hair follicles, which could have significant implications for sheep breeding and the understanding of hair follicle biology.