A single-cell transcriptomic atlas elucidates the hair cycle and apoptosis mechanisms in goat hair follicles

TL;DR

This study uses single-cell sequencing to map the hair cycle and apoptosis in goat hair follicles, identifying key genes and pathways involved.

Contribution

The study provides a high-resolution cell map of goat hair follicle apoptosis and identifies new diagnostic biomarkers for programmed cell death.

Findings

Nine cell types were identified in goat hair follicles across different hair cycle stages.

Matrix cells were found to be enriched in Wnt signaling and apoptosis-related genes.

Key dynamic genes and regulatory factors like KRT19, API5, MSX2, and LEF1 were identified.

Abstract

To explore the molecular mechanism of hair follicle apoptosis in the goat hair cycle, single-cell transcriptome sequencing was performed on 8,214 hair follicle cells in the Anagen period, Catagen period, and Telogen period. We identified nine cell types and found that Matrix cells (MCs) enriched the Wnt signaling pathway and apoptosis-related genes. Further studies revealed the key dynamic genes (such as KRT19, API5) and regulatory factors (such as MSX2, LEF1) that determine the fate of MCs. This study mapped a high-resolution cell map of goat hair follicle apoptosis, providing new insights and diagnostic biomarkers for programmed cell death.

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