Gene expression profiles of skin from CDK5-knockdown mice

A analysis of the transcriptome profile of alpaca skin with different hair colors has revealed that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is a candidate gene for alpaca fleece quality, coat color and fiber growth and development. It has been found that CDK5 is localized in hair follicles, with higher expression levels in animals with brown versus white fleece color. Our previous study investigating genetic components of hair color with a mouse model has shown that the cyclin-dependent kinase CDK5 plays a role in determining hair color in mice and noted a change in hair color from dark black to light brown[11]. TTo further investigate the genes or pathways that are involved in the pigmentation regulated by CDK5, CDK5-knockdown mice was established and mRNA profiles of skins from CDK5-knockdown mice was constructed.