Genetic basis of early activation of hair follicle in Cashmere goat: an approach with candidate genes

The aim of my PhD thesis has been to investigate some molecular signals presumably involved in Cashmere goat hair follicle cycle both as activators and as inhibitors and receptive to photoperiod changing. The specific goals have been to:  Isolate and characterize the expression of Platelet derived growth A (PDGFA) gene from cashmere skin biopsies.  Evaluate the expression and localization of PGFA and its receptor in cashmere skin biopsies by immunohistochemical technique.  Analyze by RT-PCR the major genes (PDGFA, BMP2, LHX2, CD34, and CDH3) involved in the hair follicle cycle either as activators or as inhibitors during early anagen, anagen, early catagen and late catagen phases. My contribution to research paper:  statistical analysis and preparation of “Effects of age and body areas on quality of cashmere fiber from Alashan white cashmere goats “ published by Small Ruminant Research, 137, 71-72.  samples collection in “Genetic variability of the short-haired and roughhaired Segugio Italiano dog breeds and their genetic distance from the other related Segugio breeds” published by Italian Journal of Animal Science, 1-7.