Transcriptomic regulation of seasonal coat color change in hares

Color moults from summer brown to winter white coats have evolved in several species to maintain camouflage year-round in environments with seasonal snow. We analyse skin transcription changes during the moult of mountain hares (Lepus timidus) to understand its molecular regulation. We quantified differences in gene expression between three stages of moult progression – “brown” (early molt), “intermediate” and “white” (late molt). We placed these moult stages in the context of the hair growth cycleand identified the expression of key candidate genes for pigment production, circadian rhythm and moulting cycle regulation.