Feather on the Cap of Medicine

The document described the feather as a valuable model for studying biological processes such as growth control, regeneration, and morphogenesis due to its ability to cyclically regenerate and its experimental manipulability. It mentioned research using feathers to explore the effects of chemotherapeutic agents and irradiation on growth, providing insights into chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) and the role of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling in the development of feathers and hair follicles. Additionally, the document discussed the use of feathers to investigate hormone-dependent growth and tumorigenesis, and the distinct properties of feathers across different chicken breeds and wild birds. The feather model was highlighted as a significant tool for biomedical research, particularly for studying physiological regeneration and hormonal specificity in integumentary regions. The document also acknowledged its funding sources and referenced several related studies.