Comparative analysis of skin transcriptome reveals differences of cashmere fineness in different body parts of Inner Mongolia cashmere goats.

Abstract

Objective: The growth and development of secondary hair follicle largely dictates the economic value of cashmere traits, significantly influencing the quality of cashmere fineness. Previous studies have primarily concentrated on the periodic growth regulation of hair follicles in Inner Mongolia cashmere goats (IMCGs) and identified numerous candidate genes that influence cashmere traits. However, research remains limited regarding the factors and regulatory mechanisms that affect cashmere fineness in different body parts.

Methods: The differences of cashmere fineness traits among different body parts or ages were determined by multiple comparison analysis testing in analysis of variance (ANOVA). RNA-seq and GO & KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were used to assess the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among different body parts of IMCGs. The candidate genes were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) techniques.

Results: Ages and different body parts had significant effects on cashmere diameter of IMCGs (P<0.05). Cashmere diameter was coarsest in the abdomen, but finest in the neck and back. A total of 2178 DEGs were specifically screened among four body parts based on cashmere diameter. GO and KEGG analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in signal transduction pathway related to hair growth such as MAPK signaling pathway and ECM-receptor interaction. The expression of MATN2 and CA12 were consistent with the phenotype of cashmere fineness in different body parts.

Conclusion: The differences of cashmere fineness among different body parts of IMCGs were explored by transcriptome and phenotype analysis which provide a basis for understanding molecular regulation of cashmere growth in cashmere goats. MATN2, CA12 have been validated as regulatory genes for the heterogeneity of cashmere fineness in different parts of IMCGs.