Hair Follicles as Micro-Organs: MicroRNA-Mediated Control of Growth, Cycling, and Fiber Traits

    March 2026 in “ Biomolecules ”
    Mengsi Xu, Rongyin Zhang, Gao Gong, Shangquan Gan, Wenxin Zheng
    TLDR MicroRNAs play a key role in controlling hair growth and quality in sheep and goats.
    This review highlights the critical role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating hair follicle biology, particularly in wool and cashmere production in sheep and goats. Hair follicles, despite their small size, are complex mini-organs influenced by genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors. While transcriptional networks in follicle development have been studied, miRNAs are now recognized as key post-transcriptional regulators affecting stem cell maintenance, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The review synthesizes recent miRNA research, proposing a systems-level framework where miRNA networks interact with signaling pathways to control follicle development and regeneration. Understanding miRNA-mediated regulation offers insights into fiber production and potential molecular breeding strategies in livestock.
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