Differences Between Ultrastructure and Protein Composition in Straight Hair Fibers

February 2019 in “ Zoology ”

Jeffrey E. Plowman, Duane P. Harland, Scobie Dr, D. O’Connell, Ancy Thomas, Peter Brorens, Marina Richena, Esther D. Meenken, Amy Phillips, James A. Vernon, Stefan Clerens

ultrastructure protein composition hair fibers lustre mutant wild-type semi-lustre fiber morphology structural profiles proteomic profiles cell-type distribution felting properties

Studysummary Lustre mutant sheep have normal hair structure and proteins but differ in felting properties.

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The study examined the ultrastructure and protein composition of straight hair fibers in lustre mutant sheep compared to wild-type and semi-lustre breeds. It found that while the fiber morphology appeared similar, the structural and proteomic profiles differed. Lustre mutant sheep exhibited normal ultrastructural and proteomic components despite variations in cell-type distribution. The research also noted differences in felting properties between lustre mutant and English Leicester sheep, indicating that multiple factors influenced this characteristic. These findings enhanced the understanding of the complex relationships between hair structure, protein composition, and functional properties.

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