Transcriptome profiling analysis reveals key genes of different coat color in sheep skin

Abstract

BackgroundTo investigate the molecular mechanisms determining the coat color of native breed sheep in Xinjiang.MethodsBashibai sheep, Yemule white sheep and Tulufan black sheep were selected. Illumina HiSeq X Ten sequencing technology was used to detect the genes responsible for the white, light brown, black and cyan gray coat colors in sheep. Sequence analysis and functional gene annotation analysis were performed to analyze the results. The signal pathways and differentially expressed genes related to sheep hair color production regulation were screened and finally verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsFunctional annotation by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed significant differences in enrichment of immunity-related pathways as well as melanogenesis synthetic and tyrosine metabolism pathways. Our results showed that the DCT, TYR, TYRP1, PMEL, SLC45A2 and MLANA six genes may be associated with the regulation of coat color development and provide a theoretical basis for selecting natural coat colors of sheep.

Analysis of reproduction-related transcriptomes on pineal-hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian tissues during estrus and anestrus in Tan sheep

“…The neuroactive ligand-receptor pathway has the most DEGs ( 15 ) in the hypothalamus, followed by the Notch signaling pathway, ovarian steroidogenesis, and the calcium signaling pathway, which were related to reproduction. In the pituitary, the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway had the most DEGs ( 12 ), whereas the P53 signaling pathway, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), the NF-kappa B signaling system, and oocyte meiosis were involved in reproduction regulation. In addition, the largest number of DEGs in the ovary was in the human papillomavirus infection pathway ( 16 ), and the reproduction-related pathways included the “Hippo” signaling pathway, CAMs, arachidonic acid metabolism, and AMPK signaling pathway.…”

“…In the past, studies have found a number of important genes and pathways regulating animal reproduction by high-throughput sequencing in the HPO axis of female animals ( 8 , 9 ). In sheep, many studies have focused on transcriptome sequencing analysis of muscle tissue ( 10 ), adipose tissue ( 11 ) or skin tissue ( 12 ) and have identified a number of candidate markers. Meanwhile, RNA-Seq was also been used to investigating reproductive regulation mechanism of animals.…”

Analysis of MC1R, MITF, TYR, TYRP1, and MLPH Genes Polymorphism in Four Rabbit Breeds with Different Coat Colors

“…Variations in the TYR gene cause melanin deficiency in human eyes, skin, and hair, resulting in albinism [ 38 , 39 ]. The mRNA expression of the TYR gene was significantly different in black and white sheep [ 40 ], dark-gray and light-gray goats [ 41 ], black and white feather ducks [ 42 ], as well as black and white feather chickens [ 43 ]. Additionally, there were significant differences in dark-gray and light-gray goat black fibers and different black-bone chicken muscles [ 41 , 42 ].…”

Genetics of the phenotypic evolution in sheep: a molecular look at diversity-driving genes

“…Table S10. Additional genetic studies on sheep coat color variation [310][311][312][313][314][315][316][317][318][319][320][321][322][323][324][325][326][327]. Table S11.…”