Identification and Expression of the Target Gene SLC24A2 of Oar-miR-377 and Its Novel SNPs Effects on Wool Traits in Sheep

This study investigates the role of oar-miR-377 in sheep wool traits, identifying SLC24A2 as its target gene. Using assays like dual-luciferase reporter, RT-qPCR, and western blot, researchers confirmed that oar-miR-377 regulates SLC24A2 expression in sheep fibroblasts. A specific SNP (276T>C) in the oar-miR-377 precursor was found to be significantly associated with wool fiber diameter variation in Chinese Merino sheep (P<0.01). The findings suggest that oar-miR-377 enhances secondary hair follicle development by downregulating SLC24A2, and the identified SNP could serve as a marker for wool quality improvement.