Skin Transcriptome Reveals Periodic Changes in Genes Underlying Cashmere Follicle Transition in Cashmere Goats

The study investigated the molecular mechanisms behind the growth cycle of cashmere in Inner Mongolian cashmere goats using transcriptome sequencing and fluorescence quantitative PCR. The cashmere growth cycle was divided into three periods: growth (March–September), regression (September–December), and resting (December–March), with March being a significant month for the cycle's initiation. Differential gene analysis highlighted the importance of March and identified key nodes for each period. The study found that genes KAP3-1, KRTAP 8-1, and KRTAP 24-1 had a close positive correlation with the cashmere growth cycle, and their expression patterns were consistent with the different phases of cashmere growth. The findings suggest that the regulation of these genes aligns with the cashmere growth cycle, but the expression of hair follicle development-related genes occurs earlier than cashmere growth, indicating potential for modifying the timing of cashmere production. This research provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the cashmere development cycle and identifies key genes involved in the transition through the cycle, which could aid in cashmere goat breeding strategies.