DKK4 as a Novel Candidate Marker for Zhexi Angora Rabbit Wool Quality

March 2026 in “ World Rabbit Science ”

Bohao Zhao, Yongqi Yu, Miaocheng Wang, Ziyang Chen, Rongrong Li, Yang Chen, Xinsheng Wu

TLDR DKK4 can be used to improve wool quality in Zhexi Angora rabbits.

This study explores the role of Dickkopf-related protein 4 (DKK4) in regulating wool quality in Zhexi Angora rabbits by examining its effects on hair follicle growth and development. Through experiments involving 108 rabbits, researchers identified four SNPs in the DKK4 gene, with two (C2351T and C2405G) conforming to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The mutant haplotype combination TT/GG was linked to significantly higher fibre diameters of fine wool. Although these mutations did not alter the DKK4 protein structure, the study suggests that DKK4 could serve as a molecular marker for selecting wool fibre diameter traits, providing a theoretical basis for improving wool quality in Angora rabbits.

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