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Cashmere goats possess two types of hair follicles, with the secondary hair follicles producing valuable cashmere fiber used for textiles. The growth of cashmere exhibits a seasonal pattern arising from photoperiod change. Transcription factors play crucial roles during this process. The transcription factor, cold-shock domain, containing C2 (Csdc2) plays a crucial role in modulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Our preceding research indicated that the expression of Csdc2 changes periodically during anagen to telogen. However, the mechanisms of Csdc2 in regulating SHF growth remain unclear. Here, we found that the knockdown of Csdc2 inhibits the proliferation of dermal papilla cells. ChIP-Seq analysis showed that Csdc2 had a unique DNA binding motif in SHFs. Through conjoint analysis of ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq, we revealed a total of 25 candidate target genes of Csdc2. Notably, we discovered a putative Csdc2 binding site within roundabout guidance receptor 2 (Robo2) on chromosome 1 of the goat genome. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed Csdc2's positive regulatory influence on Robo2. These findings expand the research field of hair follicle transcriptional regulatory networks, offering insights into molecular breeding strategies to enhance cashmere production in goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cashmere goats are valuable genetic resources which are famous for their high-quality fiber. Runs of homozygosity (ROHs) refer to uninterrupted sequences of homozygous genotypes present within the DNA sequence of an individual. To enhance the preservation, improvement and enduring utilization of this valuable genetic resource, we performed a comprehensive study on the genetic variance, degree of inbreeding, patterns of ROHs and selected genes situated in ROH islands which are associated with economic attributes in goats via whole-genome sequencing analysis. Our research showed that the Inner Mongolia cashmere goat possesses a notably high level of genetic diversity and presented the lowest inbreeding coefficient. On the contrary, the highest F r o h and lowest levels of diversity were observed in wild goats compared to domesticated goats. The analysis of selection signal through ROHs identified some genes related to meat, fiber and milk production; fertility, disease and cold resistance and adaptability; and body size and growth. Cashmere goats are valuable genetic resources which are famous worldwide for their high-quality fiber. Runs of homozygosity (ROHs) have been identified as an efficient tool to assess inbreeding level and identify related genes under selection. However, there is limited research on ROHs in cashmere goats. Therefore, we investigated the ROH pattern, assessed genomic inbreeding levels and examined the candidate genes associated with the cashmere trait using whole-genome resequencing data from 123 goats. Herein, the Inner Mongolia cashmere goat presented the lowest inbreeding coefficient of 0.0263. In total, we identified 57,224 ROHs. Seventy-four ROH islands containing 50 genes were detected. Certain identified genes were related to meat, fiber and milk production (FGF1, PTPRM, RERE, GRID2, RARA); fertility (BIRC6, ECE2, CDH23, PAK1); disease or cold resistance and adaptability (PDCD1LG2, SVIL, PRDM16, RFX4, SH3BP2); and body size and growth (TMEM63C, SYN3, SDC1, STRBP, SMG6). 135 consensus ROHs were identified, and we found candidate genes (FGF5, DVL3, NRAS, KIT) were associated with fiber length or color. These findings enhance our comprehension of inbreeding levels in cashmere goats and the genetic foundations of traits influenced by selective breeding. This research contributes significantly to the future breeding, reservation and use of cashmere goats and other goat breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate an optically tunable mode-locked fiber laser using long-period fiber grating (LPFG) coated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The multi-walled CNTs can absorb light to convert it into thermal energy, and the resonance wavelength of the grating can be easily turned by varying the external modulated light power. This multi-walled CNT coated LPFG-based all-optical fast and efficient spectrum tunable filter enables continuous tuning of the central wavelength of the laser by manipulating the loss of the mode-locked laser, ensuring the stability of the mode-locking state. In the absence of modulated light on multi-walled CNTs, the soliton laser could generate 890 fs pulses at 1546.7 nm with a spectrum bandwidth of 3.26 nm and a signal-to-noise ratio of 73.1 dB. Through adjustment of the pump power of the modulation light on multi-walled CNTs, the mode-locked fiber laser can be continuously tuned from 1546.71 to 1563.15 nm. The response time of the optically tunable system was measured to be in the order of hundreds of milliseconds. The presented optical tuning filter shows great potential in the fiber laser system, offering a repeatable, straightforward, and rapidly responsive laser tuning technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]