3D models: untreated (left) & SAG-treated (right) samples. Light-sheet microscopy imaging of nuclear-stained embryonic chicken digits fixed at E16 (5 days post SAG treatment). SAG =‘smoothened agonist’, a drug that specifically promotes Shh pathway signalling.
We have shown that transient agonism of sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway signalling in chicken at E11 triggers a complete & permanent transition from reticulate scales to feathers on the ventral surfaces of the foot/digits. Resulting feathers are comparable to feathers adorning the body, with down-type feathers transitioning into regenerative, bilaterally symmetric contour feathers in adults. Our RNA-sequencing analyses confirm that SAG specifically promotes expression of key Shh pathway-associated genes.
Our publications on chicken feather and scale development are compiled here.
Those on crocodile and tortoise skin appendages are compiled here.