DataSheet1_Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveals the Molecular Anatomy of Sheep Hair Follicle Heterogeneity and Wool Curvature.zip

This study utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to investigate the molecular anatomy of sheep hair follicles, focusing on the differences between curly and straight wool. By analyzing 15,830 single-cell transcriptomes, researchers identified 19 distinct cell populations and characterized their gene expression profiles. The study revealed the differentiation trajectories of matrix progenitors into hair shaft and inner root sheath cells and highlighted strong intercellular communication between mesenchymal and epithelial cells. Additionally, differentially expressed genes were identified to understand the molecular mechanisms behind wool curvature. These findings provided a comprehensive view of sheep hair follicle development and offered insights into sheep breeding.