Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analysis reveals molecular mechanisms of melatonin-regulated hair follicle growth in cashmere goats and comparative insights across goat breeds

作者：Luyao Xie, Chun Li, Jin‐Lei Tian, Shaoyin Fu, Rui Su, Cong Feng, Ming Chen · 发表于：BMC Genomics · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1186/s12864-025-12263-9 · 被引用次数：3 · 研究领域：Hair Growth and Disorders、Reproductive Physiology in Livestock、Reproductive Biology and Fertility

BACKGROUND: Cashmere goats are prized for their high-quality fibers, which are soft, fine, strong, and exhibit remarkable elasticity and luster. Cashmere growth occurs in secondary hair follicles and follows a distinct, periodic cycle. This study seeks to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms driving cashmere growth, as well as the impact of exogenous melatonin, by integrating transcriptomic and proteomic data. RESULTS: RNA-Seq data from skin samples of Inner Mongolia cashmere goats were analyzed, with the growth period divided into three stages. Differential genes and pathways involved in cashmere growth, including Wnt, BMP, Hippo, MAPK, TNF and JAK-STAT signaling pathways, were identified. Comparative transcriptomic and proteomic analyses between the control and melatonin groups revealed melatonin-sensitive key genes (MSKGs) such as DLX3, KRT35, KRT85, and KRTAP11-1. Enrichment analysis highlighted that melatonin influences signaling pathways such as Wnt, Hedgehog, ECM, FGF, and keratin-related genes, potentially regulating secondary shedding and hair follicle regeneration. The study also identified conserved genes and pathways related to cashmere growth in different cashmere goat breeds, including Wnt, Hippo, and JAK-STAT pathways. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of the hair follicle growth phase in cashmere goats, revealing how exogenous melatonin influences cashmere growth. It also highligh...