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Yue L, Lu Z, Guo T, Liu J, Yang B, Yuan C. Key genes and metabolites that regulate wool fibre diameter identified by combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis. Genomics 2024; 116:110886. [PMID: 38880312 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibre diameter is an important economic trait of wool fibre. As the fibre diameter decreases, the economic value of wool increases. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of wool fibre diameter regulation is important in improving the value of wool. RESULTS In this study, we used non-targeted metabolome and reference transcriptome data to detect differences in metabolites and genes in groups of Alpine Merino sheep with different wool fibre diameter gradients, and integrated metabolome and transcriptome data to identify key genes and metabolites that regulate wool fibre diameter. We found 464 differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) and 901 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in four comparisons of groups with different wool fibre diameters. Approximately 25% of the differentially abundant metabolites were lipid and lipid-like molecules. These molecules were predicted to be associated with skin development and keratin filament by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses. Key genes, including COL5A2, COL5A3, CREB3L4, COL1A1, and SFRP4, were identified by gene set enrichment analysis. CONCLUSIONS Key genes regulating wool fibre diameter were identified, the effects of lipid molecules on wool performance were investigated, and potential synergies between genes and metabolites were postulated, providing a theoretical framework for fine wool sheep breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yue
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Sheep Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Zengkui Lu
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Sheep Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Tingting Guo
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Sheep Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Jianbin Liu
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Sheep Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Bohui Yang
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Sheep Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China.
| | - Chao Yuan
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Sheep Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China.
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Liang B, Bai T, Zhao Y, Han J, He X, Pu Y, Wang C, Liu W, Ma Q, Tian K, Zheng W, Liu N, Liu J, Ma Y, Jiang L. Two mutations at KRT74 and EDAR synergistically drive the fine-wool production in Chinese sheep. J Adv Res 2024; 57:1-13. [PMID: 37137429 PMCID: PMC10918353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benmeng Liang
- National Germplasm Center of Domestic Animal Resources, Ministry of Technology, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Cattle) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China
| | - Tianyou Bai
- National Germplasm Center of Domestic Animal Resources, Ministry of Technology, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Cattle) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China
| | - Yuhetian Zhao
- National Germplasm Center of Domestic Animal Resources, Ministry of Technology, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Cattle) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China
| | - Jiangang Han
- National Germplasm Center of Domestic Animal Resources, Ministry of Technology, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Cattle) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China; Animal Genomics Laboratory, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Xiaohong He
- National Germplasm Center of Domestic Animal Resources, Ministry of Technology, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Cattle) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China
| | - Yabin Pu
- National Germplasm Center of Domestic Animal Resources, Ministry of Technology, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Cattle) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China
| | - Chunxin Wang
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling 136100, China
| | - Wujun Liu
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Qing Ma
- Institute of Animal Science, Ningxia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Yinchuan 75002, Ningxia, China
| | - Kechuan Tian
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China; Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, China
| | | | - Nan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, China
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yuehui Ma
- National Germplasm Center of Domestic Animal Resources, Ministry of Technology, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Cattle) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China.
| | - Lin Jiang
- National Germplasm Center of Domestic Animal Resources, Ministry of Technology, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Cattle) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China.
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Sun X, Guo J, Li R, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Liu GE, Emu Q, Zhang H. Whole-Genome Resequencing Reveals Genetic Diversity and Wool Trait-Related Genes in Liangshan Semi-Fine-Wool Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:444. [PMID: 38338087 PMCID: PMC10854784 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the genetic makeup of local sheep breeds is essential for their scientific conservation and sustainable utilization. The Liangshan semi-fine-wool sheep (LSS), a Chinese semi-fine-wool breed renowned for its soft wool, was analyzed using whole-genome sequencing data including 35 LSS, 84 sheep from other domestic breeds, and 20 Asiatic mouflons. We investigated the genetic composition of LSS by conducting analyses of the population structure, runs of homozygosity, genomic inbreeding coefficients, and selection signature. Our findings indicated that LSS shares greater genetic similarity with Border Leicester and Romney sheep than with Tibetan (TIB), Yunnan (YNS), and Chinese Merino sheep. Genomic analysis indicated low to moderate inbreeding coefficients, ranging from 0.014 to 0.154. In identifying selection signals across the LSS genome, we pinpointed 195 candidate regions housing 74 annotated genes (e.g., IRF2BP2, BVES, and ALOX5). We also found the overlaps between the candidate regions and several known quantitative trait loci related to wool traits, such as the wool staple length and wool fiber diameter. A selective sweep region, marked by the highest value of cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity, encompassed IRF2BP2-an influential candidate gene affecting fleece fiber traits. Furthermore, notable differences in genotype frequency at a mutation site (c.1051 + 46T > C, Chr25: 6,784,190 bp) within IRF2BP2 were observed between LSS and TIB and YNS sheep (Fisher's exact test, p < 2.2 × 10-16). Taken together, these findings offer insights crucial for the conservation and breeding enhancement of LSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueliang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (X.S.); (J.G.)
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jiazhong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (X.S.); (J.G.)
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ran Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Huanhuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yifei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (X.S.); (J.G.)
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - George E. Liu
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Quzhe Emu
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, No. 7, Niusha Road, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Hongping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (X.S.); (J.G.)
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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Vasu M, Ahlawat S, Chhabra P, Sharma U, Arora R, Sharma R, Mir MA, Singh MK. Genetic insights into fiber quality, coat color and adaptation in Changthangi and Muzzafarnagri sheep: A comparative skin transcriptome analysis. Gene 2024; 891:147826. [PMID: 37748630 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Changthangi sheep, which inhabit the high-altitude regions of Ladakh, are known for their fine fiber production and are characterized by grey skin and either black or white coats. In contrast, Muzzafarnagri sheep from the plains of Uttar Pradesh produce coarse wool and have white skin and coats. We conducted comparative global gene expression profiling on four biological replicates of skin from each breed. Notably, our analysis identified 149 up-regulated genes and 2,139 down-regulated genes in Changthangi sheep compared to Muzzafarnagri sheep, with a p-adjusted value (padj) of ≤0.05 and a Log2 fold change of ≥1.5. Gene Ontology analysis of the up-regulated genes revealed an enrichment of terms related to melanin biosynthesis and developmental pigmentation. Additionally, enriched KEGG pathways included tyrosine metabolism and metabolic pathways. Among the melanogenesis-related genes that exhibited higher expression in Changthangi sheep were TYR, TYRP1, DCT, SLC45A2, PMEL, MLANA, and OCA2. These findings confirm melanin's role in both the animals' black coat color and UV protection at high-altitude. Furthermore, we observed more pronounced expression of genes related to fiber quality, namely KRTAP6, KRTAP7, KRTAP13, and KRTAP2, in the fine wool-producing sheep from Ladakh. The results of the RNA sequencing were validated using real-time PCR on 10 genes governing fiber quality and coat color, with ACTB and PPIB serving as reference genes. In conclusion, our comparative skin transcriptome analysis of Changthangi and Muzzafarnagri sheep sheds light on the genetic differences associated with distinct phenotypic traits and environmental adaptability, offering valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahanthi Vasu
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India; ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Sonika Ahlawat
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India.
| | - Pooja Chhabra
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
| | - Upasna Sharma
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
| | - Reena Arora
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
| | - Rekha Sharma
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
| | - M A Mir
- Mountain Research Centre for Sheep and Goat, Shuhama (Aulestang), SKUAST-Kashmir, India
| | - Manoj Kumar Singh
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Mathura, India
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Wang J, Hua G, Cai G, Ma Y, Yang X, Zhang L, Li R, Liu J, Ma Q, Wu K, Zhao Y, Deng X. Genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptome analyses reveal the key gene for wool type variation in sheep. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:88. [PMID: 37420295 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00893-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wool fibers are valuable materials for textile industry. Typical wool fibers are divided into medullated and non-medullated types, with the former generated from primary wool follicles and the latter by either primary or secondary wool follicles. The medullated wool is a common wool type in the ancestors of fine wool sheep before breeding. The fine wool sheep have a non-medullated coat. However, the critical period determining the type of wool follicles is the embryonic stage, which limits the phenotypic observation and variant contrast, making both selection and studies of wool type variation fairly difficult. RESULTS During the breeding of a modern fine (MF) wool sheep population with multiple-ovulation and embryo transfer technique, we serendipitously discovered lambs with ancestral-like coarse (ALC) wool. Whole-genome resequencing confirmed ALC wool lambs as a variant type from the MF wool population. We mapped the significantly associated methylation locus on chromosome 4 by using whole genome bisulfite sequencing signals, and in turn identified the SOSTDC1 gene as exons hypermethylated in ALC wool lambs compare to their half/full sibling MF wool lambs. Transcriptome sequencing found that SOSTDC1 was expressed dozens of times more in ALC wool lamb skin than that of MF and was at the top of all differentially expressed genes. An analogy with the transcriptome of coarse/fine wool breeds revealed that differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways at postnatal lamb stage in ALC/MF were highly similar to those at the embryonic stage in the former. Further experiments validated that the SOSTDC1 gene was specifically highly expressed in the nucleus of the dermal papilla of primary wool follicles. CONCLUSION In this study, we conducted genome-wide differential methylation site association analysis on differential wool type trait, and located the only CpG locus that strongly associated with primary wool follicle development. Combined with transcriptome analysis, SOSTDC1 was identified as the only gene at this locus that was specifically overexpressed in the primary wool follicle stem cells of ALC wool lamb skin. The discovery of this key gene and its epigenetic regulation contributes to understanding the domestication and breeding of fine wool sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiankui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoying Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Ganxian Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Letian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Li
- Jinfeng Animal Husbandry Group Co., Ltd., Chifeng, 024000, China
| | - Jianbin Liu
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Qing Ma
- Animal Science Institute of Ningxia Agriculture and Forestry Academy, Yinchuan, 750002, China
| | - Keliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaofeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.
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Kalds P, Zhou S, Gao Y, Cai B, Huang S, Chen Y, Wang X. Genetics of the phenotypic evolution in sheep: a molecular look at diversity-driving genes. Genet Sel Evol 2022; 54:61. [PMID: 36085023 PMCID: PMC9463822 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-022-00753-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After domestication, the evolution of phenotypically-varied sheep breeds has generated rich biodiversity. This wide phenotypic variation arises as a result of hidden genomic changes that range from a single nucleotide to several thousands of nucleotides. Thus, it is of interest and significance to reveal and understand the genomic changes underlying the phenotypic variation of sheep breeds in order to drive selection towards economically important traits. REVIEW Various traits contribute to the emergence of variation in sheep phenotypic characteristics, including coat color, horns, tail, wool, ears, udder, vertebrae, among others. The genes that determine most of these phenotypic traits have been investigated, which has generated knowledge regarding the genetic determinism of several agriculturally-relevant traits in sheep. In this review, we discuss the genomic knowledge that has emerged in the past few decades regarding the phenotypic traits in sheep, and our ultimate aim is to encourage its practical application in sheep breeding. In addition, in order to expand the current understanding of the sheep genome, we shed light on research gaps that require further investigation. CONCLUSIONS Although significant research efforts have been conducted in the past few decades, several aspects of the sheep genome remain unexplored. For the full utilization of the current knowledge of the sheep genome, a wide practical application is still required in order to boost sheep productive performance and contribute to the generation of improved sheep breeds. The accumulated knowledge on the sheep genome will help advance and strengthen sheep breeding programs to face future challenges in the sector, such as climate change, global human population growth, and the increasing demand for products of animal origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kalds
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
- Department of Animal and Poultry Production, Faculty of Environmental Agricultural Sciences, Arish University, El-Arish, 45511 Egypt
| | - Shiwei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
| | - Yawei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
| | - Bei Cai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
| | - Shuhong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
| | - Yulin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio-Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, 712100 China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio-Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, 712100 China
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Lakhanova K, Kedelbaev B, Yeleugaliyeva N, Korazbekova K. Study of melanin distribution in the hair cells of Karakul lambs of different colours. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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Bolormaa S, Swan AA, Stothard P, Khansefid M, Moghaddar N, Duijvesteijn N, van der Werf JHJ, Daetwyler HD, MacLeod IM. A conditional multi-trait sequence GWAS discovers pleiotropic candidate genes and variants for sheep wool, skin wrinkle and breech cover traits. Genet Sel Evol 2021; 53:58. [PMID: 34238208 PMCID: PMC8268212 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-021-00651-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Imputation to whole-genome sequence is now possible in large sheep populations. It is therefore of interest to use this data in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to investigate putative causal variants and genes that underpin economically important traits. Merino wool is globally sought after for luxury fabrics, but some key wool quality attributes are unfavourably correlated with the characteristic skin wrinkle of Merinos. In turn, skin wrinkle is strongly linked to susceptibility to “fly strike” (Cutaneous myiasis), which is a major welfare issue. Here, we use whole-genome sequence data in a multi-trait GWAS to identify pleiotropic putative causal variants and genes associated with changes in key wool traits and skin wrinkle. Results A stepwise conditional multi-trait GWAS (CM-GWAS) identified putative causal variants and related genes from 178 independent quantitative trait loci (QTL) of 16 wool and skin wrinkle traits, measured on up to 7218 Merino sheep with 31 million imputed whole-genome sequence (WGS) genotypes. Novel candidate gene findings included the MAT1A gene that encodes an enzyme involved in the sulphur metabolism pathway critical to production of wool proteins, and the ESRP1 gene. We also discovered a significant wrinkle variant upstream of the HAS2 gene, which in dogs is associated with the exaggerated skin folds in the Shar-Pei breed. Conclusions The wool and skin wrinkle traits studied here appear to be highly polygenic with many putative candidate variants showing considerable pleiotropy. Our CM-GWAS identified many highly plausible candidate genes for wool traits as well as breech wrinkle and breech area wool cover. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12711-021-00651-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunduimijid Bolormaa
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia. .,Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.
| | - Andrew A Swan
- Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.,Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Paul Stothard
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Majid Khansefid
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Nasir Moghaddar
- Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.,School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Naomi Duijvesteijn
- Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.,Hendrix Genetics, Boxmeer, The Netherlands
| | - Julius H J van der Werf
- Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.,School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Hans D Daetwyler
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.,School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Iona M MacLeod
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
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Shi X, Wu J, Lang X, Wang C, Bai Y, Riley DG, Liu L, Ma X. Comparative transcriptome and histological analyses provide insights into the skin pigmentation in Minxian black fur sheep (Ovis aries). PeerJ 2021; 9:e11122. [PMID: 33986980 PMCID: PMC8086576 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Minxian black fur (MBF) sheep are found in the northwestern parts of China. These sheep have developed several special traits. Skin color is a phenotype subject to strong natural selection and diverse skin colors are likely a consequence of differences in gene regulation. Methods Skin structure, color differences, and gene expression (determined by RNA sequencing) were evaluated the Minxian black fur and Small-tail Han sheep (n = 3 each group), which are both native Chinese sheep breeds. Results Small-tail Han sheep have a thicker skin and dermis than the Minxian black fur sheep (P < 0.01); however, the quantity of melanin granules is greater (P < 0.01) in Minxian black fur sheep with a more extensive distribution in skin tissue and hair follicles. One hundred thirty-three differentially expressed genes were significantly associated with 37 ontological terms and two critical KEGG pathways for pigmentation (“tyrosine metabolism” and “melanogenesis” pathways). Important genes from those pathways with known involvement in pigmentation included OCA2 melanosomal transmembrane protein (OCA2), dopachrome tautomerase (DCT), tyrosinase (TYR) and tyrosinase related protein (TYRP1), melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), and premelanosome protein (PMEL). The results from our histological and transcriptome analyses will form a foundation for additional investigation into the genetic basis and regulation of pigmentation in these sheep breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Jianping Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xia Lang
- Animal Husbandry, Pasture, and Green Agriculture Institute, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Cailian Wang
- Animal Husbandry, Pasture, and Green Agriculture Institute, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China.,Key Laboratory for Sheep, Goat, and Cattle Germplasm and Straw Feed in Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yan Bai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - David Greg Riley
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Lishan Liu
- Animal Husbandry, Pasture, and Green Agriculture Institute, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xiaoming Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
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10
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Comparative investigation of coarse and fine wool sheep skin indicates the early regulators for skin and wool diversity. Gene 2020; 758:144968. [PMID: 32707304 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The hair follicle is an excellent mini-system illustrating the mechanisms governing organogenesis and regeneration. Although the general mechanisms modulating skin and hair follicle development are widely studied in mouse and chicken models, the delicate network regulating skin and hair diversity remains largely unclear. Sheep is an additional model to address the various wool characteristics observed in nature. The coarse and fine wool sheep with diverse fibers were examined to show differences in the primary wool follicle size and skin thickness. The molecular dynamics in skin staged at the primary wool follicle induction between two sheep lines were investigated by RNA-sequencing analyses to generate 1994 differentially expressed genes revealing marker genes for epithelium (6 genes), dermal condensate (38 genes) and dermal fibroblast (58 genes) highly correlated with skin and wool follicle morphological differences. The DEGs were enriched in GO terms represented by epithelial cell migration and differentiation, regulation of hair follicle development and ectodermal placode formation, and KEGG pathways typified by WNT and Hedgehog signaling pathways governing the differences of skin structure. The qPCR detection of 9 genes confirmed the similar expression tendency with RNA-sequencing profiles. This comparative study of coarse and fine wool sheep skin reveals the presence of skin and wool follicle differences at primary wool follicle induction stage, and indicates the potential effectors (APCDD1, FGF20, DKK1, IGFBP3 and SFRP4) regulating the skin compartments during the early morphogenesis of primary wool follicles to shape the variable wool fiber thickness in later developmental stages.
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11
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Ahlawat S, Arora R, Sharma R, Sharma U, Kaur M, Kumar A, Singh KV, Singh MK, Vijh RK. Skin transcriptome profiling of Changthangi goats highlights the relevance of genes involved in Pashmina production. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6050. [PMID: 32269277 PMCID: PMC7142143 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63023-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Pashmina, the world's finest natural fiber is derived from secondary hair follicles of Changthangi goats which are domesticated in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir by nomadic pastoralists. Complex epithelial-mesenchymal interactions involving numerous signal molecules and signaling pathways govern hair follicle morphogenesis and mitosis across different species. The present study involved transcriptome profiling of skin from fiber type Changthangi goats and meat type Barbari goats to unravel gene networks and metabolic pathways that might contribute to Pashmina development. In Changthangi goats, 525 genes were expressed at significantly higher levels and 54 at significantly lower levels with fold change >2 (padj < 0.05). Functional annotation and enrichment analysis identified significantly enriched pathways to be formation of the cornified envelope, keratinization and developmental biology. Expression of genes for keratins (KRTs) and keratin-associated proteins (KRTAPs) was observed to be much higher in Changthangi goats. A host of transcriptional regulator genes for hair follicle keratin synthesis such as GPRC5D, PADI3, HOXC13, FOXN1, LEF1 and ELF5 showed higher transcript abundance in Pashmina producing goats. Positive regulation of Wnt signaling pathway and negative regulation of Oncostatin M signaling pathway may be speculated to be important contributors to hair follicle development and hair shaft differentiation in Changthangi goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonika Ahlawat
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India.
| | - Reena Arora
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
| | - Rekha Sharma
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
| | - Upasna Sharma
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
| | - Mandeep Kaur
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
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12
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Ding H, Cheng G, Leng J, Yang Y, Zhao X, Wang X, Qi Y, Huang D, Zhao H. Analysis of histological and microRNA profiles changes in rabbit skin development. Sci Rep 2020; 10:454. [PMID: 31949201 PMCID: PMC6965608 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57327-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The periodic regrowth of rabbit fur is economically important. Here, we aimed to characterise the histological traits and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in the skin tissue of Wan Strain Angora rabbits at different weeks after plucking. Haematoxylin-eosin staining showed that hair follicles were in the telogen phase in the first week, while they were in the anagen phase from the fourth to twenty-fourth weeks. In addition, two small RNA libraries derived from skin samples of Wan Strain Angora rabbits at telogen and anagen stages yielded over 24 million high-quality reads. Specifically, 185 miRNAs were differentially expressed between the telogen and anagen phases. The function of the differentially expressed miRNAs was explored by comparing them with known mammalian miRNAs and by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis of their predicted targets. Five new functional miRNAs were validated using quantitative real-time PCR. Moreover, the fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) gene was verified to be a target of conservative_NC_013672.1_9290 and conservative_NC_013675.1_10734. We investigated differential miRNA profiles between the telogen and anagen phases of the hair cycle and our findings provide a basis for future studies focusing on the mechanisms of miRNA-mediated regulation of rabbit hair follicle cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haisheng Ding
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanglong Cheng
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjian Leng
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongxin Yang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Zhao
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxia Qi
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongwei Huang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China.
| | - Huiling Zhao
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China.
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Li W, Gong H, Zhou H, Wang J, Li S, Liu X, Luo Y, Hickford J. Variation in KRTAP6-1 affects wool fibre diameter in New Zealand Romney ewes. Arch Anim Breed 2019; 62:509-515. [PMID: 31807662 PMCID: PMC6853137 DOI: 10.5194/aab-62-509-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Variation in KRTAP6-1 has been reported to affect wool fibre traits in Merino cross-breed sheep and Chinese Tan sheep, but little is known about whether these effects persist in other breeds. In this study, variation in KRTAP6-1 was investigated in 290 New Zealand (NZ) Romney ewes sired by 16 different rams. Polymerase chain reaction single-stranded conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis revealed four variants ( A , B , E and F ) of KRTAP6-1, and nine genotypes (AA, AB, AE, AF, BB, BE, BF, EE and FF) in these ewes. Among the 243 ewes that had genotypes with a frequency of over 5 % (i.e. AA, AB and BB), the presence of A was found to be associated with reduced mean fibre diameter (MFD) and increased coefficient of variation in fibre diameter (CVFD), whereas the presence of B had a trend of association with decreased coarse edge measurement (CEM). A genotype effect was also detected for MFD and CVFD. No associations were detected for fibre diameter standard deviation (FDSD), mean fibre curvature (MFC) and medulation. These results suggest that variation in KRTAP6-1 affects wool fibre diameter in NZ Romney ewes, confirming the finding in Merino cross-breed sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Li
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of
Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou
730070, China
- International Wool Research Institute, Gansu Agricultural University,
Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Hua Gong
- International Wool Research Institute, Gansu Agricultural University,
Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gene-marker Laboratory, Faculty of Agricultural and Life Sciences,
Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
| | - Huitong Zhou
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of
Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou
730070, China
- International Wool Research Institute, Gansu Agricultural University,
Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gene-marker Laboratory, Faculty of Agricultural and Life Sciences,
Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
| | - Jiqing Wang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of
Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou
730070, China
- International Wool Research Institute, Gansu Agricultural University,
Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Shaobin Li
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of
Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou
730070, China
- International Wool Research Institute, Gansu Agricultural University,
Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Xiu Liu
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of
Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou
730070, China
- International Wool Research Institute, Gansu Agricultural University,
Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yuzhu Luo
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of
Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou
730070, China
- International Wool Research Institute, Gansu Agricultural University,
Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jon G. H. Hickford
- International Wool Research Institute, Gansu Agricultural University,
Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gene-marker Laboratory, Faculty of Agricultural and Life Sciences,
Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
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