August 2026 in “Frontiers in Veterinary Science” This study identified 22 genetic loci potentially linked to body weight and wool traits in Ordos fine-wool sheep, highlighting six candidate genes that could be pivotal in understanding and improving these economically important characteristics.
July 2026 in “Scientific Reports” This study found that wool felting in Ukrainian Carpathian Mountain sheep is linked to significant changes in fatty acid composition, particularly highlighting a decrease in 18-methyleicosanoic acid in bound lipids, suggesting it as a potential marker for cuticle lipid layer damage during felting.
In this study, researchers found two non-synonymous SNPs in the TERT gene associated with mean wool staple strength in sheep, suggesting TERT as a potential candidate gene for improving wool traits.
June 2026 in “Studia Biologica” This study found that in semi-coarse wool sheep of the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountain breed, changes in microflora and grease composition are linked to increased felting in wool, due to wetter, more alkaline fleece conditions that promote bacterial and mold growth and alter fatty acid balances.
February 2026 in “BMC Genomics” This study found that MEG3-miRNAs are key regulators of the age-dependent crimped wool trait in Tan sheep, likely influencing primary follicle development and degeneration through immune-inflammatory pathways.
November 2025 in “BMC Genomics” This study identified genetic differences between Australian White Sheep and Hu Sheep that may explain their distinct pelage types, with a focus on subcutaneous adiposity and immunoregulation. The findings suggest potential targets for breeding climate-resilient sheep, enhancing our understanding of heat tolerance in these breeds.
September 2025 in “Animals” This study identified novel genetic variations in the KRTAP22-2 gene among eight sheep breeds but found no association between these genotypes and wool fibre traits, indicating possible species-specific differences compared to goats.
This study conducted a genome-wide association analysis on 1,125 ewes and identified 24 SNPs associated with wool production traits, and highlighted potential candidate genes like ADAR and TP53 for further research into the genetic mechanisms influencing wool growth in sheep.
April 2025 in “Ukrainian Journal of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences” This study observed that feeding ewes a water-soluble complex of fatty acids increased primary hair follicle bulb diameter and mitotic activity, suggesting a positive correlation with wool growth.
September 2024 in “Genes” This study found that overexpressing CRABP1 in dermal papilla cells promotes their proliferation and influences key genes in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which may offer insights into mechanisms controlling hair follicle development.
This study analyzed inner root sheath-specific genes in Tan sheep during various growth stages, finding peak expression at birth. The pattern of genes KRT71, KRT72, and TCHH is consistent with wool crimp, potentially influencing wool morphology.
This study found that DNA methylation may regulate the differential expression of the BMP7 gene in Hu sheep lamb skin of different patterns, and it influences the proliferation and cell cycle of dermal papilla cells, with demethylation treatment increasing BMP7 expression and cell proliferation.
This study found that expression and variants of the KRT84 gene are associated with important wool traits in Gansu Alpine Fine-wool sheep, suggesting its potential use as a genetic marker for wool trait selection.
October 2023 in “Cell & bioscience” This study identified a primitive coarse wool characteristic in Merino sheep that enhances environmental adaptability and fine wool yield without reducing quality, suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms, particularly involving the imprinted Gtl2-miRNAs locus, regulate this advantageous trait.
September 2023 in “Animals” In this study, researchers conducted whole-genome resequencing of eight sheep breeds to identify additional genes associated with wool fineness, revealing 269 genes in fine wool and 319 in coarse wool breeds that are linked to significant traits and pathways.
February 2022 in “Research Square (Research Square)” This study identified candidate genes related to hair follicle development in Merino sheep, providing insights for improving sheep wool quality and potentially understanding human hair growth mechanisms.
December 2021 in “INDIGO (University of Illinois at Chicago)” This study used single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize 19 distinct cell populations in sheep hair follicles, uncovering differentiation signatures and intercellular communication that may influence wool curvature and sheep breeding.
January 2021 in “Research Square (Research Square)” This study mapped copy number variations in Chinese fine-wool sheep, identifying regions linked to important traits like milk production and growth, and highlighting a strong selection signal at the RXFP2 gene.
This study mapped genome-wide copy number variations in Chinese indigenous fine-wool sheep, providing a valuable genetic resource for researching complex traits and genetic diversity in this species.
September 2020 in “Benha Veterinary Medical Journal” This study found that non-infectious skin conditions in sheep were associated with oxidative stress and changes in trace elements, vitamin A, and immunoglobulin levels.
August 2020 in “Egyptian Veterinary Medical Society of Parasitology Journal (EVMSPJ)” In this study, 10.5% of sheep examined in Ismailia, Egypt, were infested with Sarcoptes scabiei, showing specific molecular and skin alterations.
This study found that the FOS gene may play a significant role in promoting hair follicle development in Tan sheep, with elevated expression during the Er-mao period.
January 2020 in “International journal of agriculture & biology/International journal of agriculture and biology” This review examines the development and molecular mechanisms of hair follicle and wool traits in sheep, but reports no new results, aiming to support breeding and selection strategies.
This study constructed a genomic map of copy number variations in fine-wool sheep, revealing their potential impact on traits like growth, nutrient metabolism, and susceptibility to selection pressures.
January 2013 in “Heilongjiang xumu shouyi” This study successfully cloned the KAP6.1 gene from Xinjiang fine-wool sheep and found its genetic sequence has high homology with sheep and goat sequences, indicating close genetic relationships.
January 1999 in “Birkhäuser Basel eBooks” This study observed increased metallothionein expression in regenerating liver and hyperplastic mouse skin, suggesting a potential role in cellular proliferation and differentiation.
August 2022 in “Theriogenology” This study found that allopregnanolone has a bimodal effect on prolactin secretion in sheep, stimulating PRL mRNA expression but inhibiting hormone release under stress and pregnancy conditions.
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December 2023 in “GeroScience”
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October 2015 in “Human Psychopharmacology-clinical and Experimental” In this study, finasteride was found not to be associated with changes in sleep spindle activity or morphology in men undergoing sleep studies.
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October 2017 in “Allergology International”