Determination of the genes affecting mohair development in angora goats by RNA sequencing

Mohair, an important source of fiber, is obtained from Angora goats. Our country, which ranked first in the world in mohair production in the past years, has lost this feature today. In some studies, it is stated that Lalahan and Eskisehir varieties of Angora goats are different from each other in terms of mohair yield as well as some other characteristics. The important characteristics that determine the economic value of mohair are fiber diameter and quantity. In countries where mohair is produced, efforts are made to improve these characteristics. It is stated that hair follicle characteristics and/or genetic regulations mechanisms that form animal fibers directly affect fiber production and quality. In this study, it was aimed to determine the genes affecting mohair development in two varieties of Angora goat and the molecular mechanisms affecting these genes. Biopsy samples were taken from the shoulder region anagen (September), catagen (January) and telogen (March) phases, considering that examining that the events occurring between lint and the microenvironment may be instructive in improving quality. RNA was isolated from these biopsy samples and differentially expressed genes and the pathways affected by these genes were evaluated using RNA sequencing method. It has been observed that the expression of KRTAP8-1, KRTAP16.4 and KRTAP21-1 genes was quite high in the group which catagen and telogen phases were compared in Eskisehir variety females. Interestingly, KRTAP21-1 gene was found to be expressed in four different protein isoforms. In Eskisehir variety, unlike Lalahan variety, DEGs identified in anagen-catagen comparison in males were significantly enriched in the Reactome mediated keratinization pathway and these genes were down regulated. The results showed that KRT and KRTAP genes are highly functional and have different expression patterns between males and females in addition to being different between Eskisehir and Lalahan varieties.