Molecular signaling in feather morphogenesis.
The development and regeneration of feathers have gained much attention recently because of progress in the following areas. First, pattern formation. The exquisite spatial arrangement provides a simple model for decoding the rules of morphogenesis. Second, stem cell biology. In every molting, a few stem cells have to rebuild the entire epithelial organ, providing much to learn on how to regenerate an organ physiologically. Third, evolution and development ('Evo-Devo'). The discovery of feathered dinosaur fossils in China prompted enthusiastic inquiries about the origin and evolution of feathers. Progress has been made in elucidating feather morphogenesis in five successive phases: macro-patterning, micro-patterning, intra-bud morphogenesis, follicle morphogenesis and regenerative cycling.
Lin
Chih-Min
CM
Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Jiang
Ting Xin
TX
Widelitz
Randall B
RB
Chuong
Cheng-Ming
CM
D000818:Animals; D019521:Body Patterning / Q000502:physiology; D004475:Ectoderm / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D005241:Feathers / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000502:physiology; D005801:Genes, Homeobox / Q000235:genetics; D008954:Models, Biological; D009024:Morphogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism