Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals Differences Between Primary and Secondary Hair Follicle-Derived Dermal Papilla Cells of the Cashmere Goat

The study examined gene expression differences between primary and secondary hair follicle-derived dermal papilla cells (PHF-DPCs and SHF-DPCs) in Cashmere goats using transcriptome sequencing. Researchers identified 1,044 genes with significant expression differences, with 620 upregulated in PHF-DPCs and 424 in SHF-DPCs. Key pathways involved in hair follicle morphogenesis, such as vascularization, ECM-receptor interaction, and Wnt/β-catenin/Lef1 signaling, were highlighted. Notably, VEGF-D was upregulated in SHF-DPCs, enhancing follicle vascularization, while EPO-R was upregulated in PHF-DPCs, indicating increased angiogenesis. The study provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of hair follicle development, emphasizing the role of dermal papilla cells in regulating follicle size and hair growth.