Sprouty/FGF signaling regulates the proximal-distal feather morphology and the size of dermal papillae.

ABSTRACT: In a feather, there are distinct morphologies along the proximal-distal axis. The proximal part is a cylindrical stalk (calamus), whereas the distal part has barb and barbule branches. Here we focus on what molecular signaling activity can modulate feather stem cells to generate these distinct morphologies. We demonstrate the drastic tissue remodeling during feather cycling which includes initiation, growth and resting phases. In the growth phase, epithelial components undergo progressive changes from the collar growth zone to the ramogenic zone, to maturing barb branches along the proximal-distal axis. Mesenchymal components also undergo progressive changes from the dermal papilla, to the collar mesenchyme, to the pulp along the proximal-distal axis. Over-expression of Spry4, a negative r

SUBMITTER: Yue Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3586415 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature