Genomic And Transcriptomic Landscape To Decipher The Genetic Basis Of Hyperpigmentation In Lanping Black-Boned Sheep

This study investigates the genetic basis of hyperpigmentation in Lanping black-boned sheep (LPB) through whole-genome sequencing of 100 LPB and 50 Lanping normal sheep (LPN), alongside 421 datasets from other sheep. The research identifies the evolutionary lineage of LPB from LPN and highlights two genes, ERBB4 and ROR1, as potential contributors to LPB's distinctive pigmentation. Comparative RNA-Seq analysis shows significant upregulation of these genes in LPB tissues, except for ERBB4 in the liver. These findings enhance understanding of melanin synthesis and sheep diversity.