Molecular and Cellular Characterization of Avian Reticulate Scales Implies the Evo-Devo Novelty of Skin Appendages in Foot Sole.

ABSTRACT: Among amniotic skin appendages, avian feathers and mammalian hairs protect their stem cells in specialized niches, located in the collar bulge and hair bulge, respectively. In chickens and alligators, label retaining cells (LRCs), which are putative stem cells, are distributed in the hinge regions of both avian scutate scales and reptilian overlapping scales. These LRCs take part in scale regeneration. However, it is unknown whether other types of scales, for example, symmetrically shaped reticulate scales, have a similar way of preserving their stem cells. In particular, the foot sole represents a special interface between animal feet and external environments, with heavy mechanical loading. This is different from scutate-scale-covered metatarsal feet that function as protection. Avian re

SUBMITTER: Liu TY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10366821 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature