Genetic and histological relationship between pheromone-secreting tissues of the musk gland and skin of juvenile Chinese forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii Flerov, 1929).

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The musk glands of adult male Chinese forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii Flerov, 1929) (FMD), which are considered as special skin glands, secrete a mixture of sebum, lipids, and proteins into the musk pod. Together, these components form musk, which plays an important role in attracting females during the breeding season. However, the relationship between the musk glands and skin of Chinese FMD remains undiscovered. Here, the musk gland and skin of Chinese FMD were examined using histological analysis and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and the expression of key regulatory genes was evaluated to determine whether the musk gland is derived from the skin. METHODS: A comparative analysis of musk gland anatomy between juvenile and adult Chinese FMD was conducted.

SUBMITTER: Li L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10500096 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sept 15

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature