Transcriptome Analyses of Reprogrammed Feather/Scale Chimeric Explants Revealed Co-Expressed Epithelial Gene Networks During Organ Specification

The study explored the molecular mechanisms behind skin appendage phenotypes, focusing on feather and scale primordium genes. Using recombination experiments and systems biology, researchers found that dermal fate remained stable while epidermal fate was reprogrammed. Transcriptome analyses revealed a regulatory gene network, organized around β-catenin and retinoic acid (RA), which influenced skin appendage types. ATAC sequencing identified about 1000 altered chromatin open sites. The study concluded that these gene networks are highly interconnected, and perturbing key genes can rewire the network, leading to changes in appendage phenotypes, similar to endogenous tissue reprogramming.