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

The study investigated the molecular regulatory mechanisms of the secondary hair follicle growth cycle in Inner Mongolian cashmere goats by using transcriptome sequencing to analyze gene variations throughout the hair follicle cycle. The growth cycle of cashmere hair 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 and cluster analysis identified key nodes and genes, such as KAP3-1, KRTAP 8-1, and KRTAP 24-1, which had a close positive correlation with the cashmere growth cycle. The study concluded that these genes' regulation was consistent with the growth cycle of cashmere, and that hair follicle development-related genes are expressed earlier than cashmere growth, suggesting that cycle regulation could affect the timing of cashmere growth. This research provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the cashmere development cycle and identifying key genes involved in the transition through the cycle, which could benefit cashmere goat breeding.