CDermo-1 Misexpression Induces Dense Dermis, Feathers, and Scales

The study demonstrated that misexpression of the transcription factor cDermo-1 in chick embryos induced the formation of dense dermis, ectopic feather buds, and scales, even in normally featherless regions. This indicated that cDermo-1 is a key regulator of early skin appendage development, acting upstream of β-catenin and FGF-10. The research, conducted on 20 chick embryos using a retroviral expression vector, provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of skin morphogenesis and the potential for gene manipulation in influencing skin structure formation.