Analysis of Copy Number Variation in the Whole Genome of Normal-Haired and Long-Haired Tianzhu White Yaks

This study analyzed the genomes of 20 Tianzhu white yaks, split between long-haired and normal-haired individuals, to investigate hair growth differences through copy number variation (CNV). Researchers identified 110,268 CNVs and defined 2,006 CNV regions in long-haired yaks and 2,699 in normal-haired yaks. They found 80 differential CNVR-harbored genes, with some linked to hair growth and hair-follicle development, such as ASTN2, ATM, and COL22A1. The study concluded that these genetic variations might influence hair growth through pathways related to lipid metabolism and cell migration, providing insights into phenotypic diversity and breeding of the Tianzhu white yak.