Conserved gene signalling and a derived patterning mechanism underlie the development of avian footpad scales.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vertebrates possess a diverse range of integumentary epithelial appendages, including scales, feathers and hair. These structures share extensive early developmental homology, as they mostly originate from a conserved anatomical placode. In the context of avian epithelial appendages, feathers and scutate scales are known to develop from an anatomical placode. However, our understanding of avian reticulate (footpad) scale development remains unclear.

Results

Here, we demonstrate that reticulate scales develop from restricted circular domains of thickened epithelium, with localised conserved gene expression in both the epithelium and underlying mesenchyme. These domains constitute either anatomical placodes, or circular initiatory fields (comparable to the avian fea

SUBMITTER: Cooper RL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6693258 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature