Transcriptomic Analysis Provides Molecular Insights Into Skin Development In Dezhou Donkey Foals

January 2026 in “ Veterinary Sciences ”

Tong Li, Honglei Qu, Liyuan Wang, Qiugang Ma, C. Z. Wang, Muhammad Zahoor Khan, Wenqiong Chai

RNA-sequencing differentially expressed genes ECM-receptor interaction PI3K-Akt signaling WNT signaling TGF-β signaling keratin WNT genes collagen hair follicle development RNA-seq gene expression extracellular matrix protein kinase B wingless-related integration site transforming growth factor beta skin barrier function

This study on Dezhou donkey foals used RNA-sequencing to analyze skin development, comparing newborns (Y0) and one-year-olds (Y1). From 13 donkeys, 133.66 Gb of data revealed 9878 differentially expressed genes, with 4252 up-regulated and 5626 down-regulated in Y1. Key pathways identified include ECM–receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt, WNT, and TGF-β signaling. Notably, keratin and WNT genes were up-regulated, while collagen and TGF-β signaling components were down-regulated in Y1. These findings suggest that skin maturation involves improved barrier function, hair follicle development, and decreased collagen synthesis, offering insights into mammalian skin development and veterinary applications.

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