# The mechanism of m6A methylation analysis of the transcriptome to regulate the diameter of Alpine Merino wool fiber

## TL;DR

This study explores how m6A methylation in Alpine Merino sheep affects wool fiber diameter, offering insights for improving wool quality.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific methylated RNAs and pathways linked to wool fiber diameter regulation in sheep.

## Key findings

- Over 54,000 methylated peaks and thousands of differentially methylated genes, lncRNAs, and circRNAs were identified.
- Key pathways like Wnt, Notch, and TGF-β were enriched in methylated gene loci.
- Specific RNAs like CACNA1E and circ-0317 were linked to methylation affecting wool fiber diameter.

## Abstract

Wool serves as an important textile raw material, with fiber diameter being a major determinant influencing the economic value and quality of wool products. Investigating the regulatory mechanisms that influence wool fiber diameter is necessary for formulating aimed at improving wool fineness. We used methylationomics to examine the skin tissue of individuals with different fiber diameters, and investigated the regulation mechanisms influencing wool fiber diameter.

In this study, we analyzed the transcriptome and m6A methylome of skin tissues from individual Alpine Merino sheep, classified into three groups based on wool fiber diameters, to identify key methylated RNAs and explore the role of m6A methylation in regulating this trait.

A total of 54,057 methylated peaks, 4,273 differentially methylated genes, 139 differentially methylated lncRNAs, and 2,992 differentially methylated circRNAs were found in the three comparisons. These gene loci showed enrichment in the Wnt, Notch, and TGF-β signaling pathways, as determined through Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses. RNA correlation analyses revealed key RNAs, such as CACNA1E, FOS, CAMK2B, RNF43, circ-0317, circ-4794, TCONS-00020832, and TCONS-00020845, indicating that hypermethylation may play an important role in affecting wool fiber diameter.

The findings elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying wool fiber diameter and provide a theoretical foundation for advancements in the wool industry.