Cashmere goats produce high-value fine fibers derived from secondary hair follicles; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this trait remain incompletely understood. In this study, comparative transcriptome sequencing was performed on skin tissues from Inner Mongolian cashmere goats and normal goats to characterize gene expression differences associated with cashmere fiber production. High-quality RNA-seq data with strong mapping efficiency and reproducibility were obtained across all samples. Differential expression analysis identified 1543 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between cashmere and normal goats, including genes involved in hair follicle morphogenesis, epidermal differentiation, cell proliferation, and extracellular matrix organization. Multivariate analyses showed a clear transcriptomic separation between fleece types, indicating that fleece phenotype is the primary driver of variation in global gene expression. Functional enrichment revealed significant involvement of the Wnt, MAPK, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, and several biologically relevant regulators of hair follicle development and hair cycle control, including FGF5, SOX9, LHX2, and VDR, were differentially expressed. Gene fusion events were rare and showed no group specific patterns, whereas alternative splicing was widespread, with exon skipping as the predominant splicing event in goat skin. Overall, these results provide quantitative transcriptomic evidence linking signaling regulation, follicle development, and structural differentiation to secondary hair follicle activity and cashmere fiber formation, offering candidate genes and molecular pathways for functional validation and molecular breeding in cashmere goats.

Background: Inter-species hybridization has been extensively used in breeding cervids to improve productive traits by hybrid vigor, but the genomic processes behind the process are not well studied. Methods: In this study, we investigated restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) to conduct a whole-genome analysis of Hua-Ma hybrid individuals (a cross of sika deer and Tianshan red deer). Results: A total of 571,835 SNPs were obtained and 427,121 high-quality SNPs were obtained from five individuals upon strict filtering. An analysis of genetic diversity has shown that the observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.2130) was lower than expected heterozygosity (He = 0.3560). Although these estimates provide preliminary insights into the genetic diversity of the sampled Hua-Ma hybrids, they should be interpreted cautiously because of the limited sample size. After the pruning of linkage disequilibrium, 189,975 independent SNPs underwent principal component analysis (PCA). The first two principal components (PC1 = 32.6%, PC2 = 26.2%) indicate relative genomic clustering rather than definitive ancestry assignments. These patterns reflect relative genomic clustering rather than definitive ancestry assignments. Conclusions: The high polymorphic loci were functionally annotated and revealed the existence of synonymous and nonsynonymous variants, including a conserved locus adjacent to the BEND5 gene that exhibited a nonsynonymous mutation generating a valine-to-isoleucine amino acid substitution which may have potential functional relevance, although no phenotypic effects were evaluated in this study. On the whole, these results suggest heterozygosity and mixed ancestry in Hua-Ma hybrids. This exploratory study provides an initial SNP resource that may support future genomic selection, parentage analysis, and breeding optimization efforts.

Cashmere production declines with age in Inner Mongolian cashmere goats, but the molecular mechanisms are unknown. This study employed a transcriptome-wide RNA-seq analysis to compare age-associated and breed-related gene expression profiles in goat skin, with particular emphasis on age-dependent AKT1 expression and its associated signaling pathways. Skin tissues from cashmere goats at 12 and 15 months and age-matched non-cashmere controls were analyzed by RNA-seq (BGIDNBSEQ platform). Differential expression and functional enrichment analyses were performed on skin transcriptomes of cashmere and control goats at 12 and 15 months. Age-specific functional profiles emerged: 12-month cashmere goats showed enrichment in GTPase activity, glucose transport, and ribosomal assembly, whereas 15-month goats were enriched for autophagosome assembly and apoptosis. FoxO signaling was commonly enriched across both ages, while the Hepatitis B pathway was unique to 12 months. AKT1 was significantly upregulated at 12 months coinciding with peak cashmere production with reduced expression at 15 months. This age-dependent pattern was supported by coordinated regulation of downstream effectors, including TSC2, PIK3R2, MAPK9, and FOXO3. Collectively, these transcriptomic data provide a mechanistic framework linking age-dependent AKT1 regulation to the decline in cashmere fiber production.

BACKGROUND:The unique pelage composition and developmental pattern endow hairy sheep with superior heat tolerance and minimized wool-shearing needs, compared with coarse-woolly sheep. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying pelage differentiation between these two sheep types remain incompletely understood to date, thereby limiting the development of molecular breeding strategies for cultivating climate-resilient and cost-effective sheep breeds in climate-changing era. RESULTS:Through integrated histomorphometric and transcriptomic analysis of Australian White Sheep (AWS, hairy phenotype) and Hu Sheep (HS, coarse-woolly phenotype), we identified three distinct evolutionarily conserved fiber types in AWS (heavily medullated kemp, medullated crimp hair, and non-medullated wool). In contrast, HS exhibited a bimodal fiber distribution without kemp fibers. Compared with AWS, HS had significantly longer hair fibers and markedly reduced subcutaneous adiposity. Transcriptomic profiling identified 370 differentially expressed genes (DEGs): genes enriched in AWS (e.g., DGAT2L6, FOXO6, CIDEA, ADIG) were clustered in lipid metabolism pathways, while genes upregulated in HS (e.g., CSN2, LOC101102413, CSF3R, CXCR2) were significantly associated with immunomodulatory functions. Additionally, hair intermediate filament- and matrix-associated candidate genes (e.g., LOC114113348/KAP20-2, LOC101111178/KRT6A) and EDA2R exhibited breed-specific expression patterns, which were respectively linked to differences in fiber curvature and length. CONCLUSION:Our integrated analysis identifies subcutaneous adiposity and immunoregulation as novel potential key modulators of pelage phenotype divergence between hairy and coarse-woolly sheep-with candidate genes (e.g., KAP20-2, KRT6A, EDA2R) linked to breed-specific fiber traits (e.g., curvature, length). The identified genetic signatures further offer potential actionable targets for precision breeding of climate-resilient and cost-effective sheep, addressing the gap in molecular strategies for pelage-related traits improvement.

Given that lactoferrin (LF) exerts an excellent protection of intestinal homeostasis, the underlying mechanisms, especially epigenetic regulations, are still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary LF epigenetically modulates the oxidative genes by histone modifications to ameliorate ileum inflammation of mice exposed to DON contaminated diet. As expected, we found in the morphology analysis that DON exposure increased ileum crypt depth (CD) and villus width (VW) but reduced villus height (VH) and VH: CD ratio compared to those of the vehicle group. Consistently, the elevated ROS and MDA, along with the decreased ATP, SOD, CAT, GSH, and complex I, III, V were observed in the DON-exposed mice ileum. In contrast, LF markedly ameliorated the impairments of morphological and biochemical indexes. Next, we conducted transcriptome analysis to explore the changed signaling pathways using the ileum RNA of the mice treated with DON or LF. Firstly, the cell cycle pathway genes were significantly downregulated in the DON-exposed mice, and LF improved the cell cycle profile. Again, gene ontology analysis showed that inflammation and oxidative stress were significantly activated by DON exposure, and these were recovered when the DON-exposed mice were supplemented with an LF diet. Consistent with these findings, the signaling pathways of the reduced oxidative phosphorylation and elevated TNFα were also observed to be ameliorated by LF treatment. Importantly, histone modifications, including acetylation, methylation, and lactylation were suggested to be the vital players involved in the DON or LF treatment, in which LF significantly increased the loss of histone modifications on these genes. With a bioinformatics analysis and validation by qRT-PCR, the nuclear receptor NR5A2 was selected as a key master in the ileum of mice stimulated by DON. LF performed the benefit function on the NR5A2-mediated oxidative stress genes Ncoa4 and Prdx3 in the DON-exposed mice. Moreover, a ChIP-qPCR was used to verify that histone marks involving H3K9ac, H3K18ac, H3k27ac, H3K4me1, H3K9la, and H3K18la facilitated the epigenetic regulation of NR5A2-modulated actions. We conclude that dietary LF effectively ameliorated ileum lesions induced by DON in mice by modulating oxidative genes Ncoa4 and Prdx3 through histone modifications.

This study was conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy of graded levels of dietary organic selenium (OS) on the health, productivity, and egg quality of commercial laying hens. A total of 240 hens (26 weeks old) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design: a control basal diet (0 ppm OS) and three diets supplemented with OS from selenium yeast (SY-2000 or SY-3000) to achieve levels of 0.20, 0.30, and 0.45 ppm, respectively. The experiment lasted for 72 days. Performance metrics were recorded weekly, and samples were collected at two time points to assess physiological responses. The results demonstrated that supplementation with 0.30 and 0.45 ppm OS significantly improved key productivity parameters. Egg production (p < 0.05), egg weight (p < 0.001), and cumulative egg mass (p < 0.001) were higher in these groups compared to the control. Nutrient digestibility, including dry matter, crude protein, and ether extract, was also significantly enhanced (p < 0.001) at the higher OS levels. The antioxidant defense system was strengthened, as evidenced by the increased serum activity of the glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.001), superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01), and diphenyl picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the humoral immune response against Newcastle disease showed a significant, dose-dependent improvement (p < 0.001). In contrast, feed intake, various egg quality parameters (shell thickness, specific gravity, and Haugh unit), and serum mineral profiles remained unaffected (p > 0.05) by OS supplementation. In conclusion, dietary OS supplementation at 0.30-0.45 ppm effectively enhances laying performance, nutrient utilization, systemic antioxidant capacity, and specific immunity, with the 0.45 ppm level demonstrating the most consistent and comprehensive benefits under the conditions of this study.

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a significant zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus cestode parasites, affecting a variety of animals, including humans and wildlife, with serious implications for public health. In Pakistan, CE continues to pose a considerable public health challenge, impacting the livestock sector and wildlife conservation due to its economic and socio-cultural ramifications. This study aimed to examine the frequency of lesions indicative of Echinococcus cysts in livestock across several slaughterhouses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), with the data collection occurring from May 2022 to February 2024. A total of 1120 animals, including 455 buffaloes, 295 cows, 200 sheep, and 170 goats, were assessed. The overall CE prevalence was found to be 5.7% (95% CI: 4.3-7.0%; 63 out of 1120), with the highest frequency in buffaloes (6.6%; 95% CI: 4.3-8.9%) and the lowest in goats (2.9%; 95% CI: 0.4-5.5%). Female animals demonstrated a higher infection rate (6.3%; 95% CI: 4.4-8.1%) compared to males (4.7%; 95% CI: 2.8-6.7%), with the liver being the most frequently affected organ (55.0%; 95% CI: 41.7-66.3%). Additionally, a survey of 200 respondents revealed that 74.5% of farmers were unaware of CE, and only 14.5% were taking preventive measures against parasites. These findings suggest a potential decline in the prevalence of this parasitic disease, likely due to advancements in veterinary services and modern farming practices.

BACKGROUND:The incidence rate of allergic rhinitis (AR) is on the rise, which seriously affects the quality of life, work efficiency, mental state of patients, and sleeping in AR sleep. This experiment aimed to investigate the changes in Treg/Th17 cells in the nasal mucosa of an AR mouse model and the intervention effect of an Anti-IL-17 antibody. METHODS:A mouse model of AR was induced by intraperitoneal ovalbumin (OVA) injection for sensitization and stimulation with nasal drops. The times of rubbing, sneezing, and symptomatology scores were counted and analyzed. Pathological damage to the nasal mucosa was observed by Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining. Peripheral blood CD4+CD25+CD127- Treg cell levels and the content of Th17 cells were measured by flow cytometry (FCM). ELISA kits were used to detect the levels of relevant cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β1) secreted by Treg cells. The intervention effect of Anti-IL-17 antibody was observed by giving Anti-IL-17 antibody treatment. RESULTS:The times of rubbing, sneezing, and symptomatology scores were significantly higher in mice in the OVA group than in the Control group (p < 0.001). The percentage of CD4+CD25+CD127- Treg cells in CD4+CD25+ T cells (p < 0.05) and the levels of IL-10 (p < 0.001) and TGF-β1 (p < 0.001) were significantly decreased. After OVA induction, the continuity of the nasal mucosa of mice was interrupted, the percentage of Th17 cells, IL-17, and IL-4 levels were increased, and IFN-γ levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.001). And protein expression of RORγt was significantly upregulated (p < 0.001). In addition, all of these results were reversed by Anti-IL-17 antibody treatment, significantly improving AR-related symptoms (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION:Anti-IL-17 antibodies may regulate the body's immune response by promoting CD4+CD25+CD127- Treg cell differentiation, thereby ameliorating the symptoms associated with AR.

OBJECTIVE:Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) differentiation is a critical physiological progress in skin hair follicle (HF) formation. Goat HFSCs differentiation is one of the essential processes of superior-quality brush hair (SQBH) synthesis. However, knowledge regarding the functions and roles of miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p in differentiated goat HFSCs is limited.METHODS:To examine the significance of chi-miR-133a-3p and chi-miR-145-5p in differentiated HFSCs, overexpression and knockdown experiments of miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p (Mimics and Inhibitors) separately or combined were performed. NANOG, SOX9, and stem cell differentiated markers (β-catenin, C-myc, Keratin 6 [KRT6]) expression levels were detected and analyzed by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays in differentiated goat HFSCs.RESULTS:miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p inhibit NANOG (a gene recognized in keeping and maintaining the totipotency of embryonic stem cells) expression and promote SOX9 (an important stem cell transcription factor) expression in differentiated stem cells. Functional studies showed that miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p individually or together overexpression can facilitate goat HFSCs differentiation, whereas suppressing miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p or both inhibiting can inhibit goat HFSCs differentiation.CONCLUSION:These findings could more completely explain the modulatory function of miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p in goat HFSCs growth, which also provide more understandings for further investigating goat hair follicle development.

Royal jelly (RJ) is rich in various nutrients, including proteins and amino acids. RJ consumption improves sexual and urinary function in postmenopausal women, possibly owing to its hormone-like effects. Currently, hormone regulation and assisted reproductive technologies are widely used to treat thin endometria; however, high doses of these drugs can add to liver burden. In this study, RJ proteins and fatty acids were isolated, and their therapeutic effects on thin endometria were investigated in vivo and in vitro to verify their hormone-like regulatory effects. The results showed that RJ and its extracts could regulate endometrial receptivity-related factor expression levels in rats with a thin endometrium, accelerate MCF-7 cell apoptosis, and increase estrogen receptor expression in MCF-7 cells wherein. The estrogen-like effects of RJ and the fatty acids may be the main contributors. RJ may be a potential natural hormone replacement therapy.

AbstractHu sheep are a unique breed in our country with great reproductive potential, the extent of whose breeding has been steadily rising in recent years. The study subjects in this experiment were 8-month-old Hu sheep (n = 112). First of all, the growth performance, slaughter performance and meat quality of their eye muscle quality were assessed, meanwhile their live weight, carcass weight, body length, body height, chest circumference, chest depth and tube circumference were respectively 33.81 ± 5.47 kg, 17.43 ± 3.21 kg, 60.36 ± 4.41 cm, 63.25 ± 3.88 cm, 72.03 ± 5.02 cm, 30.70 ± 2.32 cm and 7.36 ± 0.56 cm, with a significant difference between rams and ewes (P < 0.01). Following that, transcriptome sequencing was done, and candidate genes related to growth performance were identified using the weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) approach, which was used to identified 15 modules, with the turquoise and blue modules having the strongest association with growth and slaughter performance, respectively. We discovered hub genes such as ARHGAP31, EPS8, AKT3, EPN1, PACS2, KIF1C, C12H1orf115, FSTL1, PTGFRN and IFIH1 in the gene modules connected with growth and slaughter performance. Our research identifies the hub genes associated with the growth and slaughter performance of Hu sheep, which play an important role in their muscle growth, organ and cartilage development, blood vessel development and energy metabolic pathways. Our findings might lead to the development of potentially-useful biomarkers for the selection of growth and slaughterer performance-related attributes of sheep and other livestock.

The Yangtze River Delta white goats are the sole goat breed producing brush hair of high quality. Owing to the particularities of its wool production, a higher demand is placed on breeding efforts for this animal. Studies on the developmental mechanisms of the aligned hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) provide a theoretical basis for molecular breeding. In the present study, HFSCs were isolated using the technique of immunohistochemistry from the cervical spinal skin tissue samples from the fetal sheep, and the miR-133a-3p expression was confirmed using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting experiments from the isolated HFSCs. Additionally, the effects on the proliferation and apoptosis of HFSCs were detected using flow cytometry and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assays, along with other methods, following the overexpression of miR-133a-3p or its inhibition. The experimental results revealed that miR-133a-3p overexpressed could inhibit the proliferation of HFSCs and promote apoptosis by specifically targeting DUSP6. While the miR-133a-3p knockdown could promote the proliferation but inhibit the apoptosis of the HFSCs. Meanwhile, the miR-133a-3p knockdown experiments showed opposite outcomes. These results illustrate the presence of a relevant network between DUSP6 and miR-133a-3p, which regulates the production of superior-quality brush hair.

MAP3K1 is a significant member of the MAPK family, and its expressed MEKK1 protein has a wide range of biological activities and is an essential node in the MAPK signaling pathway. A significant number of studies have revealed that MAP3K1 plays a complicated function in the control of cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and movement, participates in the regulation of the immune system, and plays an important role in wound healing, tumorigenesis and other processes. In this study, we looked at the involvement of MAP3K1 in the control of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). Overexpression of MAP3K1 significantly promoted the proliferation of HFSCs by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting the transition from S phase to G2 phase. The transcriptome identified 189 (MAP3K1_OE) and 414 (MAP3K1_sh) differential genes. The two pathways with the most significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes were the IL-17 signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway, and the significantly enriched terms in the GO enrichment analysis involved regulation of response of external stimulus, inflammatory and cytokine. Indicate that MAP3K1 can function as a promoting factor in HFSCs through the induction of cell cycle transition from S phase to G2 phase can inhibition apoptosis by mediating crosstalk among several pathways and cytokines.HIGHLIGHTSAbnormal MAP3K1 expression in hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) can impair HFSC proliferation and apoptosis.MAP3K1 controls hair follicle stem cell proliferation via modulating cell apoptosis and the ratio of cells in S phase/G2 phase.The differential genes shared by MAP3K1_sh and MAP3K1_OE are enriched in GO terms such as inflammation, adipocyte differentiation, acute inflammation, and so on.

The purpose of the present research was to define ovarian follicular dynamics and plasma endocrine profiles in response to a single PGF2α injection, administered indiscriminately during the breeding season of Barbari goats. Ovarian dynamics were observed at every 12 h interval by using B mode ultrasonography, blood samples for hormonal analysis such as estradiol 17β and progesterone were collected at every 12 h interval, and bucks with aprons were used to identify standing estrus at every 6 h interval. Relative to PGF2α, the start of standing estrus and ovulation differ (p < 0.05) between early- (n = 7), intermediate- (n = 6), and late-responding (n = 6) goats. The highest plasma level of estradiol 17β was detected 12 h prior to ovulation. The average diameter of the ovulatory follicle and length of standing estrus were comparable (p > 0.05) between the goats. The corpus luteum degenerated more quickly (p < 0.05) in early- than intermediate- and late-responding goats. Dominant follicle diameter and estradiol 17β concentration also differ (p < 0.05) among groups. Although the plasma level of progesterone did not vary (p = 0.065), the variation in progesterone concentration with time differed (p < 0.05) amongst the goats. As a result, this research indirectly reveals that the beginning of standing estrus, end of estrus, and ovulation after PGF2α might fluctuate in Barbari goats because of follicular and hormonal dynamics during the luteal phase.

RNA-seq has shown that the DUSP6 and MAPK signaling pathways are associated with the production of high-quality brush hair (type III hair) in Yangtze River Delta white goats. However, there are few reports on the regulatory effects of DUSP6 expression on hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and cellular processes, as well as the underlying mechanism. Here, we investigated the effect of DUSP6 level in HFSCs and the molecular mechanism underlying the functional regulation of HFSCs by DUSP6. Overexpression of DUSP6 significantly suppressed the proliferation of HFSCs by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and by promoting apoptosis. Transcriptome analysis revealed a total of 217 differentially expressed genes between DUSP6-overexpressing and control HFSCs, of which 33 (15.2%) were upregulated in DUSP6-overexpressing cells. The two pathways with the most significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes were the TNF signaling pathway and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway, and the significantly enriched terms in the GO enrichment analysis involved cell attachment and cytokines. These results indicate that DUSP6 can function as an inhibitory factor in HFSCs through the induction of cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and can promote apoptosis by mediating crosstalk among several pathways and cytokines.HighlightsWe constructed DUSP6 overexpression vectors to detect mRNA and protein expression levels related to high-quality brush hair in MAPK signaling pathway.We found that high expression level of DUSP6 can inhibit the proliferation of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and promote cell apoptosis of HFSCs.DUSP6 may be involved in the growth regulation of HFSCs like Other studies in cancer, tumors by regulating the expression of cytokines, changing the transmission of signals between cells, activating or suppressing immune-related pathways.

Hair fiber growth is determined by the spatiotemporally controlled proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of hair matrix cells (HMCs) inside the hair follicle (HF); however, dermal papilla cells (DPCs), the cell population surrounded by HMCs, manipulate the above processes via intercellular crosstalk with HMCs. Therefore, exploring how the mutual commutations between the cells are molecularly achieved is vital to understanding the mechanisms underlying hair growth. Here, based on our previous successes in cultivating HMCs and DPCs from cashmere goats, we combined a series of techniques, including in vitro cell coculture, transcriptome sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis, to uncover ligand-receptor pairs and signaling networks mediating intercellular crosstalk. Firstly, we found that direct cellular interaction significantly alters cell cycle distribution patterns and changes the gene expression profiles of both cells at the global level. Next, we constructed the networks of ligand-receptor pairs mediating intercellular autocrine or paracrine crosstalk between the cells. A few pairs, such as LEP-LEPR, IL6-EGFR, RSPO1-LRP6, and ADM-CALCRL, are found to have known or potential roles in hair growth by acting as bridges linking cells. Further, we inferred the signaling axis connecting the cells from transcriptomic data with the advantage of CCCExplorer. Certain pathways, including INHBA-ACVR2A/ACVR2B-ACVR1/ACVR1B-SMAD3, were predicted as the axis mediating the promotive effect of INHBA on hair growth via paracrine crosstalk between DPCs and HMCs. Finally, we verified that LEP-LEPR and IL1A-IL1R1 are pivotal ligand-receptor pairs involved in autocrine and paracrine communication of DPCs and HMCs to DPCs, respectively. Our study provides a comprehensive landscape of intercellular crosstalk between key cell types inside HF at the molecular level, which is helpful for an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms related to hair growth.

Excess ammonia (NH3) in the circulation of dairy animals can reduce animal health and the quality of products for human consumption. To develop effective prevention and treatment methods, it is essential to examine the molecular mechanisms through which excess NH3 may affect the mammary gland. The present study used bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) to evaluate the effects of exogenous NH4Cl on the abundance of circular RNAs (circRNAs) using high-throughput sequencing. Among the identified circRNAs, circ02771 was the most significantly upregulated by exogenous NH4Cl (P<0.05), with a fold change of 4.12. The results of the apoptosis and proliferation assays, transmission electron microscopy, H&E staining, and immunohistochemistry revealed that circ02771 increased apoptosis and inflammation. A double luciferase reporter assay revealed that circ02771 targeted miR-194b, and the overexpression of circ02771 (pcDNA-circ02771) reduced (P<0.05) the expression of miR-194b and led to apoptosis and inflammation. Circ02771 also enhanced the expression of transforming growth factor beta-induced factor homeobox 1 (TGIF1), which is a target gene of miR-194b. Overall, this study suggests that the circ02771/miR-194b/TGIF1 axis plays a role in mediating the effects of NH4Cl on BMECs. Therefore, this axis provides a novel target to help control hazards within the mammary gland from high circulating NH4Cl levels.

The Yangtze River Delta white goat is a unique goat species that can produce superior-quality brush hair. The formation of this brush hair is controlled by a series of critical genes and related signaling pathways. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), are ubiquitous endogenous non-coding RNAs that regulate many biological and physiological processes in mammals. However, little is known about the potential regulatory role of circRNAs on superior-quality brush hair formation in Yangtze River Delta white goat. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to only detect circRNAs in the neck skin tissue of normal-quality goats (NHQs) and superior-quality goats (HQs). A total of 61 803 circRNAs were identified and 32 of them were differentially expressed in the NHQ group vs. the HQ group. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the source gene of differentially expressed circRNAs (DE-circRNAs) was enriched mostly in platelet activation and the focal adhesion signal pathway. Action mechanism analysis revealed that DE-circRNAs could sponge to many identified miRNAs, including miR-31, miR-125b, miR-let-7a and miR-149-5p, which have important roles in goat hair follicle stem cell growth, hair follicle development and morphogenesis. Altogether, our findings provide a valuable basis for studying circRNAs involved in superior-quality brush hair traits and meanwhile advance our understanding of circRNA complex regulation mechanisms in Yangtze River Delta white goat skin hair follicle development.

The Yangtze River Delta white goat is a unique goat species that can produce superior-quality brush hair. The formation of superior-quality brush hair cannot occur without goat hair follicle stem cell differentiation. However, knowledge regarding the regulatory role of miR-149-5p in hair follicle stem cell differentiation is limited. Here, we found that miR-149-5p is widely expressed in the tissues of Yangtze River Delta white goats, but its expression in the skin tissue of superior-quality brush hair goats is high compared to normal- quality goats. The functional studies showed that miR-149-5p overexpression markedly facilitated hair follicle stem cell differentiation, whereas inhibiting miR-149-5p inhibited hair follicle stem cell differentiation. These results more clearly elucidate the regulatory role of miR-149-5p in hair follicle stem cell growth.

Background: With the discovery of more and more drug–resistant bacterial strains, there is an urgent need for safer and more effective alternative treatments. In this study, antibacterial peptides and probiotic microcapsules were combined to treat gastrointestinal inflammation caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection. Methods: To improve the stability of probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract, two types of mixed natural anionic polysaccharides and chitosan were used as carriers to embed the probiotics. Taking Lacticaseibacillus casei CGMCC1.8727 microcapsules with good performance as the research object, the in vitro characteristics of the microcapsules were studied via acid resistance test and intestinal release test. The microcapsules were then tested for in vivo treatment in combination with the antibacterial peptide, bomidin, and the therapeutic effects were compared among microencapsulated probiotics, free probiotics, and probiotics in combination with bomidin. Results: Microencapsulation was successfully manufactured under suitable processing parameters, with the product particle size being 2.04 ± 0.2743 mm. Compared with free probiotics, microencapsulation significantly improved the activity and preservation stability of the probiotics under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Microencapsulated probiotics showed better therapeutic effects than free probiotics in vivo. Microcapsules combined with antimicrobial peptides accelerated the elimination of bacteria in vivo. This study provides a reference for anti–inflammatory treatment, especially for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.