Wool from Merino sheep is an important component of the Australian economy. However, little is known of the mechanisms within the wool follicle that regulate fibre production. The aim of the research described here was to identify and characterise some of the genes expressed in the follicle.A highly expressed gene has been identified from skin and sequenced. The information obtained on this gene suggests that it might be of use in future transgenic studies. Two cDNA libraries were constructed. The first was constructed using small amounts of total RNA from skin and PCR methodology, following a published method. A second cDNA library was then produced from adult mid-flank skin using a commercially available kit. A pool of 420 potential wool follicle specific transcripts were identified from this adult mid-flank skin cDNA library using a combination of differential and subtractive screening. Clone 1-25 was chosen as the focus for the remaining work described in this thesis. Expression of clone 1-25 was detected at all stages of wool follicle development and was localised to the wool follicle bulb, inner root sheath, outer root sheath, epidermis, but not the dermis or dermal papilla. The function of clone 1-25 is as yet unknown. However, from its expression in the wool follicle, and studies by other groups, it appears that it may play a role in inducing differentiation / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Biological Sciences)

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 325-341). / xxvii, 341 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Skin and fleece measurements were recorded at different ages for both male and female sheep from the Turretfield Merino Resource Flock and used to estimate the heritability of each trait and the phenotypic and genetic correlations among and between the skin and fleece traits. Generally, the heritability of each trait was high, which indicates that both the fleece and skin traits should respond well to selection. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Animal Science, 2001