Ectodermal Organ Stem Cells: Morphogenesis, Population Regenerative Behavior, and Evolutionary Development
October 2013
TLDR Different ectodermal organs like hair and feathers regenerate differently, with specific stem cells and signals involved in their growth and response to the environment.
The document from 2013 examines the regenerative biology and evolutionary development of ectodermal organ stem cells, particularly in hair, feathers, scales, and teeth. It describes how different ectodermal organs employ various regeneration strategies, such as continuous renewal or episodic regeneration, with mammalian hairs and avian feathers undergoing episodic regeneration. The study highlights the specific locations of stem cells in hair and feather follicles and the role of BMP4 and Shh in feather branching and differentiation. It also discusses the evolution of feathers, detailing the discovery of diverse feather forms in nonavian dinosaurs and the processes contributing to feather morphogenesis. Additionally, the document explores hair follicle stem cell regulation, the hair cycle phases, and the influence of BMP signaling on hair regeneration. It notes that hair follicle activation is stochastic and can respond to environmental stimuli. The research was funded by the US NIH and China NSFC.
