title: Molecular signaling in feather morphogenesis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
authors.forename: Chih-Min
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Ting Xin
authors.initials: TX
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Randall B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Widelitz
authors.forename: Cheng-Ming
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Chuong
mesh_terms: 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