Skin Transcriptome Profiling of Changthangi Goats Highlights the Relevance of Genes Involved in Pashmina Production

The study conducted transcriptome profiling of skin from Changthangi goats, known for producing Pashmina, and compared it to Barbari goats. It identified 525 genes with significantly higher expression and 54 with lower expression in Changthangi goats. Key pathways involved included cornified envelope formation, keratinization, and developmental biology. Genes related to keratins and keratin-associated proteins were more highly expressed in Changthangi goats. Transcriptional regulators such as GPRC5D, PADI3, HOXC13, FOXN1, LEF1, and ELF5 were also more abundant. The study suggested that positive regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway and negative regulation of the Oncostatin M signaling pathway are crucial for hair follicle development and hair shaft differentiation in these goats.