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.
March 2024 in “International journal of molecular sciences” In this study on Angora rabbits, researchers identified genetic factors influencing wool fiber diameter by analyzing hair follicle proteins, highlighting keratin family members and other proteins as key contributors to fiber differences between coarse and fine wool.
19 citations
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April 2015 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” This study identified distinct gene expression patterns in wool follicle bulbs that may play important roles in wool follicle cycling and regeneration in sheep.
In this study, biotin supplementation was found to significantly increase wool follicle viability and metabolic activity in vitro, with the highest effects observed at 0.5 mg L⁻¹ concentration.
112 citations
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September 2021 in “BMC Biology” This study found that specific gene expressions during different stages of hair follicle development in Merino sheep are linked to wool-related traits, and may also be relevant to human skin, metabolic, and immune traits.
