TLDR Gap junctions help control feather pattern formation by enabling cell communication.
The study investigates the role of gap junctions (GJs) in Turing-type periodic feather pattern formation, using chicken skin as a model. It identifies that seven out of twelve GJ isoforms are dynamically expressed during feather development. Functional perturbations of the GJ isoform, connexin 30, disrupt primary feather bud formation, leading to irregular patterns. Inhibition of GJ communication in skin explant cultures results in new feather buds forming in waves, suggesting GJs facilitate long-distance inhibitory signal propagation. The study proposes that modulating intercellular communication can influence pattern formation, supported by Turing-based computational simulations.
22 citations
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May 2021 in “Nature Communications” Tissue stiffness affects hair follicle regeneration, and Twist1 is a key regulator.
133 citations
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February 2019 in “PLoS Biology” Feather patterns in birds are shaped by signaling interactions and cell movements, with EDA/EDAR crucial for pattern formation.
103 citations
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March 2011 in “PLoS Biology” Birds can lose neck feathers due to a genetic change that increases a gene's activity, helping them adapt to heat.
117 citations
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November 2006 in “Experimental Dermatology” The article concludes that the wool follicle is a valuable model for studying tissue interactions and has potential for genetic improvements in wool production.
112 citations
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January 2004 in “The International journal of developmental biology” Feather patterns form through genetic and epigenetic controls, with cells self-organizing into periodic patterns.
8 citations
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May 2024 in “PLoS Biology” Gap junctions help control feather pattern formation in chickens.
Researchers found a genetic link for hereditary hair loss but need more analysis to identify the exact gene.
April 2003 in “Experimental Dermatology” The workshop highlighted the genetic links and psychological impacts of hair loss and skin disorders.
4 citations
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January 2020 in “Frontiers in Physiology” Good feather growth in poultry needs the right balance of proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins.
December 2023 in “Aggregate” Scientists are using clumps of special stem cells to improve organ repair.
