191 citations
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November 1959 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences” Hair and wool have complex microscopic structures with microfibrils and varying cystine content.
The GG genotype of the KRT71 gene leads to longer wool in Gansu alpine fine-wool sheep.
January 2013 in “Wool textile journal” January 2012 in “Heilongjiang xumu shouyi” EGF and KGF affect wool fineness in Gansu alpine Merino sheep.
3 citations
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August 2022 in “Biochemical Genetics” 1 citations
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June 2025 in “Frontiers in Genetics” Key genes IRF2BP2 and EGFR are linked to Hetian sheep's double-coat fleece.
Variant G of the KRTAP20-1 gene improves wool curliness in Chinese Tan sheep.
June 2026 in “Studia Biologica” Felted wool in these sheep has more sweat and bacteria, altering its fatty acids and making it more prone to felting.
9 citations
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November 2022 in “Biology” Key genes and pathways influence wool traits in Merino sheep.
October 2025 in “Molecular Genetics and Genomics”
January 2024 in “Authorea (Authorea)” Using laccase to add poly(tyrosine) to wool makes it less likely to shrink and stronger.
18 citations
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January 2015 in “Journal of medical genetics” New genes linked to woolly hair have been found, which could help treat it and change hair texture.
17 citations
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November 2017 in “Asian-Australasian journal of animal sciences” Certain gene mutations are linked to wool quality in sheep and could help in breeding for better wool.
55 citations
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August 2013 in “PloS one” Genetic differences between young and old Tan sheep explain why their fleece changes from curly to straight as they age.
27 citations
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March 2018 in “Journal of Experimental Biology” Wool fibre curvature is due to longer orthocortical cells compared to paracortical cells.
January 2026 in “Frontiers in Animal Science” Gentile di Puglia sheep have finer wool and more lanolin than Sarda sheep.
25 citations
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September 2014 in “SpringerPlus” Sheep have a unique gene, KAP8-2, that humans don't have, which may affect wool properties.
3 citations
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May 2018 in “The Indian Journal of Animal Sciences” The KAP 7 gene affects wool traits in Rambouillet sheep, with the BB genotype showing the best wool characteristics.
4 citations
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March 2016 in “Small ruminant research” Vicuña wool's quality is due to a high density of fine secondary hair follicles, and their skin glands may be used for communication.
November 2025 in “BMC Genomics” Genetic differences in sheep affect wool type, with fat and immune genes influencing hair traits.
4 citations
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July 2024 in “Animals” The KRTAP19-5 gene affects wool curvature in Chinese Tan sheep, with Variant B reducing curvature.
January 2013 in “Shanghai Textile Science & Technology” Milk protein treatment reduces pilling in rabbit hair fabric.
2 citations
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January 2010 Tianzhu white yak hair varies in structure and density between fuzz and coarse hair.
October 2014 in “Springer eBooks” Rabbit hair fibers are similar to wool and have a hollow center like feathers.
December 2023 in “Animal research and one health” Certain circular RNAs are crucial for wool growth and curvature in goats.
August 2020 in “Textile research journal” The model helps understand how wool fiber structure affects its strength and flexibility.
4 citations
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January 2005 in “Indian Journal of Animal Research” Goat neck skin has a complex network of collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers.
September 2023 in “Animals” Genes linked to wool fineness in sheep have been identified.
Tan sheep's unique fur traits are determined during the embryonic stage by specific genes.
1 citations
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January 2015 in “China Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine” Four keratin genes are crucial for hair growth in Xinji fine wool sheep.