3D model reconstructed from light-sheet microscopy imaging of a nuclear-stained SAG-treated embryonic chicken digit sample fixed at E16 (5 days post SAG treatment). SAG = ‘smoothened agonist’, a drug that specifically promotes Shh pathway signalling.
The corresponding supplementary movie is available at the bottom of this page and can be downloaded here.
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.