title: Analysis of morphogenesis and keratinization in transfilter recombinants of feather-forming skin.
abstract: The relationships between feather morphogenesis, histogenesis, and biochemical differentiation were examined by recombining backskin epidermis and dermis, from chick embryos (Hamburger-Hamilton stages 27-31), with an intervening Nucleopore filter (pore size of 0.4 micron). The filter inhibited normal feather morphogenesis and histogenesis of barb ridges, yet feather-like filaments, which were free of dermal cells, formed from the epidermal cells. Using indirect immunofluorescence, with antiserum against alpha- and beta-keratins, the biochemical differentiation of the feather-like filaments was compared to normal feathers. In the feather-like filaments resulting from tissues of stages 27-29, cells containing beta keratins were occasionally seen at the periphery of the filaments, yet cells containing alpha-keratins were inappropriately located throughout the filaments. In a few feather-like filaments on recombinants resulting from tissues of stages 29.5-31, cells positive for beta-keratins were found in the center of the filament, but again alpha-keratins were also found. Surrounding these cells there were several layers of cells, arranged circumferentially, resembling sheath cells. Some sheath-like cells contained beta-keratins. We conclude that although feather epidermal cells, which are separated from their dermis by a Nuclepore filter, can undergo limited morphogenesis and the production of alpha- and beta-keratins, normal feather morphogenesis, histogenesis, and biochemical differentiation require the intimate associations of epidermis and dermis.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: König
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Sawyer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002642:Chick Embryo; D005241:Feathers / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D007633:Keratins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008851:Micropore Filters; D012867:Skin / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D007633:Keratins