The regulation mechanism of different hair types in inner Mongolia cashmere goat based on PI3K-AKT pathway and <i>FGF21</i>

The study explored the role of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and FGF21 in determining hair types in Inner Mongolia cashmere goats. Researchers collected skin tissues from goats with long hair (LHG) and short hair (SHG) during three key periods of hair follicle growth. They found significant differences in the expression of FGF21 and several genes between LHG and SHG, with higher FGF21 expression in LHG across all periods. Immunohistochemical analysis showed FGF21 protein was primarily located in various parts of the hair follicle and sebaceous glands. The findings suggested that the PI3K-AKT pathway played a crucial role in the development of different hair types in these goats.