Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Skin Lipid Metabolism Related to Wool Diameter in Sheep

The study utilized high-throughput RNA-Seq technology to analyze the skin transcriptome of 6 sheep, divided into groups with fine and coarse wool, to investigate the molecular mechanisms affecting wool diameter. A total of 19,914 mRNA transcripts were expressed, with 467 genes showing significant differential expression between the two groups. Notably, genes related to lipid metabolism, skin development, differentiation, and immune function were enriched among these differentially expressed genes. The study highlighted that lipid metabolism might play a crucial role in determining wool diameter, with significant involvement in processes such as collagen catabolism and steroid hormone stimulation. The findings were validated using qRT-PCR, showing a high correlation with RNA-Seq data.