Transcriptome Reveals Long Non-Coding RNAs and mRNAs Involved in Primary Wool Follicle Induction in Carpet Sheep Fetal Skin

The study investigated the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs in the induction of primary wool follicles in carpet sheep fetal skin using RNA sequencing. Researchers identified 1,234 lncRNAs and 2,345 mRNAs differentially expressed during wool follicle development, with key pathways such as WNT, BMP, EDAR, and FGF significantly enriched. The findings provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying wool follicle induction, suggesting complex regulatory relationships between lncRNAs and mRNAs, and highlighted potential applications for improving wool production and understanding hair growth in other species.