Researchers found genes in sheep that may affect hair growth and wool quality.
Knocking out the FGF5 gene in sheep increased wool production and hair-follicle density.
27 citations
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November 2000 in “Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series B” Iodine deficiency in lambs causes poor growth, less wool, and delayed sexual maturity.
18 citations
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August 2015 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” Ovine hair follicle stem cells can regenerate haired skin and may improve wool production.
15 citations
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October 1936 in “Archives of Dermatology” Cystine is crucial for forming keratin in hair, wool, and nails.
14 citations
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April 2016 in “PloS one” The KRTAP11-1 gene promoter is crucial for specific expression in sheep wool cortex.
8 citations
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December 2022 in “BMC Genomics” The research improved understanding of yak hair growth to help use yak wool better.
2 citations
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July 2011 in “AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY” Seven genetic variations in sheep's DSG4 gene are linked and affect wool traits.
25 citations
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February 2019 in “Genomics” Cashmere and milk goats have different hair growth cycles and gene expressions, which could help improve wool production.
13 citations
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June 2024 in “BMC Genomics” The research helps understand hair development in sheep, aiding in better wool breeding.
9 citations
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January 1981 Nucleophilic reagents break down hair keratin, forming more lanthionine and lysinoalanine than in wool.
Hulunbuir lambs adapt better to cold than Hu lambs, showing more wool growth and thicker skin.
July 2022 in “Research Square (Research Square)” Certain miRNAs may play a role in sheep hair follicle development, which could help improve wool production.
February 2022 in “Research Square (Research Square)” Key genes influencing sheep hair follicle development were identified, aiding wool breeding and understanding human hair conditions.
January 2021 in “Research Square (Research Square)” STAT3 reduces FST gene activity and cell growth, affecting hair development and wool quality.
1 citations
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December 2022 in “Animals” Blocking miR-27a increases sheep hair follicle stem cell growth and decreases cell death, which could help improve wool quality and treat hair loss.
January 2014 in “China Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine” The KAP8-1 gene affects skin, hair follicle development, and wool quality in different sheep varieties.
January 2009 in “Nihon Keshouhin Gijutsushakaishi/Journal of S C C./Nihon Keshouhin Gijutsushakai kaishi” Curved human hair has different structures on each side, which might cause its shape and is similar to wool.
39 citations
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December 1998 in “Journal of Cell Science” The LEF-1 binding site enhances gene expression in hair follicles, with other proteins aiding specific regulation.
89 citations
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April 2015 in “Materials Science and Engineering C” Keratin-based hydrogels from human hair improve wound healing effectively.
15 citations
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January 1988 Hair follicles have unique proteins that vary by species and are influenced by nutrition.
93 citations
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May 1990 in “The EMBO Journal” Mice with extra sheep genes had hair that fell out and regrew in cycles.
Wnt10b promotes hair growth, while SFRP2 inhibits it in Wanxi Angora rabbits.
62 citations
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August 2006 in “Journal of Chromatography B” Modern techniques have improved the understanding of keratin proteins, revealing their roles in various cells and potential in disease diagnosis.
30 citations
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November 2012 in “Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences” Hard α-keratins stay stiff in water because the surrounding matrix keeps them dehydrated and strong.
11 citations
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April 2022 in “Biophysical Journal” Disulfide bonds in keratin fibers break more easily under stress, especially when wet, affecting fiber strength.
6 citations
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December 2019 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” White hair has weaker tryptophan fluorescence than other unpigmented fibers, possibly due to UV exposure or unknown substances.
1 citations
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January 2014 in “Sen'i Gakkaishi” The new method reliably identifies and measures different animal hair fibers in textiles.
July 2025 in “Frontiers in Animal Science” Animal fibers are valued for being natural and eco-friendly, but face challenges like price volatility and a focus on meat over fiber.
March 2018 in “Journal of Experimental Biology” Hair curliness is caused by the arrangement and length of two different cell types.