The Seasonal Development Dynamics of the Yak Hair Cycle Transcriptome
July 2019
in “
Research Square (Research Square)
”
TLDR Yak hair growth is influenced by genes and hormones, helping them adapt to alpine environments.
This study investigated the molecular mechanisms regulating the seasonal hair cycle in yaks, focusing on gene expression and hormonal influences. Using high-throughput RNA sequencing on 15 samples from five developmental time points, researchers identified 11,666 genes involved in the hair cycle, with 2,316 genes showing distinct expression patterns across three developmental phases. These phases were characterized by unique functions in the hair cycle, as revealed by GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment. The study highlighted the interaction of key differentially expressed genes and their association with hormones, providing insights into the yak's adaptation to alpine environments and offering potential for economic benefits in pastoral plateau areas.
