Abstract
BackgroundFeathers have diverse forms with hierarchical branching patterns and are an excellent model for studying the development and evolution of morphological traits. The complex structure of feathers allows for various types of morphological changes to occur. The genetic basis of the structural differences between different parts of a feather and between different types of feather is a fundamental question in the study of feather diversity, yet there is only limited relevant information for gene expression during feather development.ResultsWe conducted transcriptomic analysis of five zones of feather morphologies from two feather types at different times during their regeneration after plucking. The expression profiles of genes associated with the development of feather structure were examined. We compared the gene expression patterns in different types of feathers and different portions of a feather and identified morphotype-specific gene expression patterns. Many candidate genes were identified for growth control, morphogenesis, or the differentiation of specific structures of different feather types.ConclusionThis study laid the ground work for studying the evolutionary origin and diversification of feathers as abundant data were produced for the study of feather morphogenesis. It significantly increased our understanding of the complex molecular and cellular events in feather development processes and provided a foundation for future studies on the development of other skin appendages.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1966-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Feathers have diverse forms with hierarchical branching patterns and are an excellent model for studying the development and evolution of morphological traits
Avian feather provides an excellent system for studying the evolution and development of novel morphological traits because it has diverse forms [3,4,5,6], and the complex structure of feathers allows for various types of morphological changes to occur
To validate the expression data obtained by RNA-Seq, ten genes were selected from the differentially expressed protein-coding genes to perform real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays
Summary
Feathers have diverse forms with hierarchical branching patterns and are an excellent model for studying the development and evolution of morphological traits. The complex structure of feathers allows for various types of morphological changes to occur. Avian feather provides an excellent system for studying the evolution and development of novel morphological traits because it has diverse forms [3,4,5,6], and the complex structure of feathers allows for various types of morphological changes to occur. Feathers have evolved to have different forms in color, morphology and mechanical properties among different bird species, and among different body regions of a bird individual, giving us an excellent model to study the molecular basis of phenotypic variation of an important structure in a single species.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
