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ABSTRACT: Introduction
Fine-wool sheep are the most common breed used by the wool industry worldwide. Fine-wool sheep have over a three-fold higher follicle density and a 50% smaller fiber diameter than coarse-wool sheep.Objectives
This study aims to clarify the underlying genetic basis for the denser and finer wool phenotype in fine-wool breeds.Method
Whole-genome sequences of 140 samples, Ovine HD630K SNP array data of 385 samples, including fine, semi-fine, and coarse wool sheep, as well as skin transcriptomes of nine samples were integrated for genomic selection signature analysis.Results
Two loci at keratin 74 (KRT74) and ectodysplasin receptor (EDAR) were revealed. Fine-scale analysis in 250 fine/semi-fine and 198 coarse wool sheep narrowed this association to one C/A missense variant of KRT74 (OAR3:133,486,008, P = 1.02E-67) and one T/C SNP in the regulatory region upstream of EDAR (OAR3:61,927,840, P = 2.50E-43). Cellular over-expression and ovine skin section staining assays confirmed that C-KRT74 activated the KRT74 protein and specifically enlarged cell size at the Huxley's layer of the inner root sheath (P < 0.01). This structure enhancement shapes the growing hair shaft into the finer wool than the wild type. Luciferase assays validated that the C-to-T mutation upregulated EDAR mRNA expression via a newly created SOX2 binding site and potentially led to the formation of more hair placodes.Conclusions
Two functional mutations driving finer and denser wool production were characterized and offered new targets for genetic breeding during wool sheep selection. This study not only provides a theoretical basis for future selection of fine wool sheep breeds but also contributes to improving the value of wool commodities.
SUBMITTER: Liang B
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10918353 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Liang Benmeng B Bai Tianyou T Zhao Yuhetian Y Han Jiangang J He Xiaohong X Pu Yabin Y Wang Chunxin C Liu Wujun W Ma Qing Q Tian Kechuan K Zheng Wenxin W Liu Nan N Liu Jianfeng J Ma Yuehui Y Jiang Lin L
Journal of advanced research 20230501
<h4>Introduction</h4>Fine-wool sheep are the most common breed used by the wool industry worldwide. Fine-wool sheep have over a three-fold higher follicle density and a 50% smaller fiber diameter than coarse-wool sheep.<h4>Objectives</h4>This study aims to clarify the underlying genetic basis for the denser and finer wool phenotype in fine-wool breeds.<h4>Method</h4>Whole-genome sequences of 140 samples, Ovine HD630K SNP array data of 385 samples, including fine, semi-fine, and coarse wool sheep ...[more]