A Single-Cell Atlas of an Early Mongolian Sheep Embryo.

Cell types have been established during organogenesis based on early mouse embryos. However, our understanding of cell types and molecular mechanisms in the early embryo development of Mongolian sheep has been hampered. This study presents the first comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic characterization at E16 in Ujumqin sheep and Hulunbuir short-tailed sheep.

Development and Application of a High-Resolution Melting Analysis with Unlabeled Probes for the Screening of Short-Tailed Sheep Heterozygotes.

The short-tailed phenotype has long been considered one of the best traits for population genetic improvement in sheep breeding. In short-tailed sheep, not only is tail fat eliminated but also the pubic area is exposed due to the lack of a tail covering, giving them an advantage in reproduction. Recent studies have shown that two linked mutations in sheep at nucleotides 333 and 334 are associated with the short-tailed phenotype.

Whole Genome Sequencing of Hulunbuir Short-Tailed Sheep for Identifying Candidate Genes Related to the Short-Tail Phenotype.

The Hulunbuir short-tailed sheep () is a breed native to China, in which the short-tail phenotype is the result of artificial and natural selection favoring a specific set of genetic mutations. Here, we analyzed the genetic differences between short-tail and normal-tail phenotypes at the genomic level. Selection signals were identified in genome-wide sequences.