Comprehensive Transcriptome and Methylome Analysis Delineates the Biological Basis of Hair Follicle Development and Wool-Related Traits in Merino Sheep

This study analyzed the transcriptome and methylome of 18 Merino sheep across six developmental stages to understand hair follicle development and wool-related traits. It identified stage-specific expression patterns of protein-coding genes and non-coding RNAs, such as circRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs, which were crucial for hair follicle differentiation. The research highlighted the role of transcription factors and DNA methylation in regulating gene expression, revealing complex interactions influencing hair follicle morphogenesis. By integrating these findings with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of wool traits in 7,135 sheep, the study provided insights into the genetic and biological mechanisms underlying these traits. It suggested that developmental gene expression patterns could help interpret genetic variants associated with complex traits, offering potential for genetic improvement in sheep breeding. The study also found associations between sheep wool-related genes and human traits, emphasizing the importance of non-coding RNAs and transcription factors in hair follicle development.