Different studies have reported controversial results regarding the effects of c.963A>G polymorphism in the BMP15 gene on litter size in goats. We conducted a meta-analysis by using data of all published relevant studies to address this contradiction and found a significant association between c.963A>G polymorphism and litter size at birth under dominant and additive genetic models. The meta-analysis results revealed that the AA genotype could be positively connected with litter size in goats.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) plays a crucial role in follicle growth and embryonic development. Ovarian granulosa cells also play an essential role in these processes. However, the effect of TIMP1 on the biological function of goat ovarian granulosa cells remains unknown. The objective of this study was to explore the impact of TIMP1 on granulosa cell proliferation and reproductive characteristics in goats.

Cashmere is a natural fiber from cashmere goats. The textile has been favored by consumers due to typical features like lightness, softness, and comfort. In this study, we show that circRNA-0100 promotes the differentiation of secondary hair follicle stem cells into hair lineage via sequestering miR-153-3p to heighten the KLF5 expression. Our results provide significant information for artificially regulating the secondary hair follicle regeneration and cashmere growth in cashmere goats.

Intramuscular fat is a type of fatty tissue deposited between skeletal muscle fibers and muscle bundles, which is regulated by the number and size of preadipocytes in the muscle, and it is a key factor affecting meat tenderness and juiciness. As a member of miRNAs, a variety of studies suggested that miR-25-3p may play an important role in regulating lipid metabolism and adipocyte differentiation. This study attempts to investigate the role of miR-25-3p in goat intramuscular preadipocytes.

This study provided a theoretical and experimental basis for further studying the molecular regulation mechanism of hair follicle development. EDA and EDAR were both expressed in the skin tissue in the seven cashmere goat embryo stages. Moreover, EDA and EDAR play an important role in the formation of embryonic placode (Pc). After interfering with EDA and EDAR, the expression of BMP2, BMP4, noggin, β-catenin, TGF-β2, Wnt-10b, and NOTCH1 in fibroblasts and epithelial cells changed significantly.