Dkk2/Frzb in the dermal papillae regulates feather regeneration.
Avian feathers have robust growth and regeneration capability. To evaluate the contribution of signaling molecules and pathways in these processes, we profiled gene expression in the feather follicle using an absolute quantification approach. We identified hundreds of genes that mark specific components of the feather follicle: the dermal papillae (DP) which controls feather regeneration and axis formation, the pulp mesenchyme (Pp) which is derived from DP cells and nourishes the feather follicle, and the ramogenic zone epithelium (Erz) where a feather starts to branch. The feather DP is enriched in BMP/TGF-β signaling molecules and inhibitors for Wnt signaling including Dkk2/Frzb. Wnt ligands are mainly expressed in the feather epithelium and pulp. We find that while Wnt signaling is required for the maintenance of DP marker gene expression and feather regeneration, excessive Wnt signaling delays regeneration and reduces pulp formation. Manipulating Dkk2/Frzb expression by lentiviral-mediated overexpression, shRNA-knockdown, or by antibody neutralization resulted in dual feather axes formation. Our results suggest that the Wnt signaling in the proximal feather follicle is fine-tuned to accommodate feather regeneration and axis formation.
Institute of Life Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, # 2 Xue Yuan Road, University Campus, Fujian 350108, China.
Qiqi
Q
Chu
Institute of Life Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, # 2 Xue Yuan Road, University Campus, Fujian 350108, China.
Linyan
L
Cai
School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Yu
Y
Fu
Institute of Life Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, # 2 Xue Yuan Road, University Campus, Fujian 350108, China.
Xi
X
Chen
Institute of Life Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, # 2 Xue Yuan Road, University Campus, Fujian 350108, China.
Zhipeng
Z
Yan
Institute of Life Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, # 2 Xue Yuan Road, University Campus, Fujian 350108, China.
Xiang
X
Lin
Institute of Life Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, # 2 Xue Yuan Road, University Campus, Fujian 350108, China.
Guixuan
G
Zhou
Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore.
Hao
H
Han
Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Randall B
RB
Widelitz
Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Cheng-ming
CM
Chuong
School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Wei
W
Wu
Institute of Life Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, # 2 Xue Yuan Road, University Campus, Fujian 350108, China. Electronic address: raw600@gmail.com.
Zhicao
Z
Yue
D000818:Animals; D057134:Antibodies, Neutralizing / Q000276:immunology; D019521:Body Patterning / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D002645:Chickens; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism; D005241:Feathers / Q000502:physiology*; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000378:metabolism; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D012038:Regeneration / Q000235:genetics*; D012867:Skin / Q000196:embryology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism; D060449:Wnt Signaling Pathway; D060509:Wnt3A Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D014982:Xenopus laevis; D000099274:Frizzled-Related Proteins
D057134:Antibodies, Neutralizing; D006023:Glycoproteins; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D060509:Wnt3A Protein; D000099274:Frizzled-Related Proteins
Axis formation; Dermal papillae; Dkk2/Dkk3/Frzb; Feather follicle; Regeneration