Generation of Tβ4 Knock-In Cashmere Goat Using CRISPR/Cas9

January 2019 in “ International journal of biological sciences ”

Xiaocong Li, Hao Fei, Xiao Hu, Hui Wang, Bai Dai, Xiao Wang, Hao Liang, Ming Cang, Dongjun Liu

Tβ4 thymosin beta-4 CRISPR/Cas9 RNA-seq vasoconstriction angiogenesis vascular permeability secondary hair follicles CRISPR RNA sequencing

Studysummary This study found that inserting the Tβ4 gene into cashmere goats increased cashmere yield by 74.5% without compromising quality, suggesting potential economic benefits for goat breeding.

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In 2019, researchers successfully created a Tβ4 knock-in cashmere goat by inserting the Tβ4 gene into the goat's CCR5 locus using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, without the need for screening or fluorescent markers. The genetically modified goat showed a 74.5% increase in cashmere yield while maintaining the fiber's fineness and quality. RNA-seq analysis suggested that Tβ4 may enhance hair growth by influencing vasoconstriction, angiogenesis, and vascular permeability around secondary hair follicles. This advancement has the potential to significantly improve cashmere goat breeding and increase economic efficiency.

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Research cited in this study

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research Tβ4-Overexpression Based on the PiggyBac Transposon System in Cashmere Goats Alters Hair Fiber Characteristics

18 citations , November 2016 in “Transgenic research”

This study found that transgenic cashmere goats overexpressing thymosin beta-4 have a higher secondary to primary hair follicle ratio, suggesting potential for increased cashmere yield.

research Thymosin Beta-4 Induces Mouse Hair Growth

15 citations , June 2015 in “PLoS ONE”

This study found that thymosin beta-4 overexpression in mice increased hair growth speed and density, likely by regulating P38/ERK/AKT signaling through VEGF expression.

research Thymosin Beta 4 Increases Hair Growth by Activation of Hair Follicle Stem Cells

98 citations , December 2003 in “The FASEB Journal”

In this study, thymosin beta4 was found to stimulate hair growth in normal rats and mice by affecting key processes in the hair follicle cycle, such as stem cell migration and extracellular matrix remodeling.