Integration Analysis of Transcriptome and Proteome Reveals the Mechanisms of Goat Wool Bending

The study aimed to understand the molecular mechanisms behind the reduction in hair bending in Zhongwei goats, which affects the quality of their lamb fur. Researchers analyzed the transcriptome and proteome of goat skin at three developmental stages (45, 108, and 365 days old) using TMT-based quantitative proteomics and RNA-seq methods. They identified 356, 592, and 282 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) at each stage, respectively. These DEPs were significantly enriched in pathways related to wool growth and bending, including ECM-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling, PPAR signaling, protein digestion and absorption, and metabolic pathways. Validation of 20 DEPs using the PRM method confirmed the proteomic data's reliability. Key proteins like KRT and collagen alpha family were highlighted as important for hair follicle development and wool bending. Candidate genes such as COL6A1, COL6A2, CRNN, TNC, and LOC102178129 were identified for their potential roles in wool bending. The findings provide a theoretical basis for further research into the molecular mechanisms of wool bending in goats.