RNA-seq analysis identifies key genes and signaling pathways involved in androgen promotion of sebaceous gland proliferation in Hetian sheep.

ABSTRACT: Sebaceous glands (SGs), essential elements of the skin barrier in sheep, are tightly regulated by the androgen signaling pathway. This study investigated how androgens influence SGs hyperplasia in sheep by combining morphological assessments with transcriptomic analysis. Histological examination revealed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in both the number and average size of SGs in the testosterone-treated groups across four concentration gradients compared to the control group. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on fifteen skin samples, revealing that, compared to the control group, 371 genes were upregulated and 115 were downregulated across the four treatment groups. The upregulated genes were predominantly enriched in lipid metabolism pathways, while the downregulated genes were m

SUBMITTER: Feng Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12222945 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature