Integrative Whole-Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis of Skin Tissues with Different Coat Types in Cashmere Goats Across Stages of Hair Follicle Development
January 2026
TLDR The study found that different genes are active in cashmere goats' hair growth stages, which can help improve cashmere production.
This study analyzed skin tissues from Jinlan Cashmere Goats with different coat types across three hair follicle development stages using whole-transcriptome sequencing. It identified numerous differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in each stage: 178 lncRNAs and 267 mRNAs in anagen (AN), 62 lncRNAs and 93 mRNAs in catagen (CA), and 65 lncRNAs and 158 mRNAs in telogen (TE). Functional enrichment analyses revealed that during AN, genes were involved in metabolism and glycosylation, supporting rapid cell proliferation. In CA, genes were linked to immune functions, aiding adaptation to follicle changes. In TE, Wnt signaling pathways were crucial for maintaining follicle quiescence and transitioning to AN. The study also identified key regulatory axes, such as lncRNAs-chi-miR-671-5p-ADIPOQ in AN, influencing coat type development. These findings enhance understanding of hair follicle biology and suggest strategies for improving cashmere production through genetic and environmental management.