Origin of feathers: Feather beta (beta) keratins are expressed in discrete epidermal cell populations of embryonic scutate scales

Cell differentiation in the embryonic periderm and in scaffolding epithelia of skin appendages

Terminal differentiation of epithelial cells is critical for the barrier function of the skin, the growth of skin appendages, such as hair and nails, and the development of the skin of amniotes. Here, we present the hypothesis that the differentiation of cells in the embryonic periderm shares characteristic features with the differentiation of epithelial cells that support the morphogenesis of cornified skin appendages during postnatal life. The periderm prevents aberrant fusion of adjacent epithelial sites during early skin development. It is shed off when keratinocytes of the epidermis form the cornified layer, the stratum corneum. A similar role is played by epithelia that ensheath cornifying skin appendages until they disintegrate to allow the separation of the mature part of the skin appendage from the adjacent tissue. These epithelia, exemplified by the inner root sheath of hair follicles and the epithelia close to the free edge of nails or claws, are referred to as scaffolding epithelia. The periderm and scaffolding epithelia are similar with regard to their transient functions in separating tissues and the conserved expression of trichohyalin and trichohyalin-like genes in mammals and birds. Thus, we propose that parts of the peridermal differentiation program were coopted to a new postnatal function during the evolution of cornified skin appendages in amniotes.

Development-Associated Genes of the Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC)

The epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) is a cluster of genes that encode protein components of the outermost layers of the epidermis in mammals, reptiles and birds. The development of the stratified epidermis from a single-layered ectoderm involves an embryo-specific superficial cell layer, the periderm. An additional layer, the subperiderm, develops in crocodilians and over scutate scales of birds. Here, we review the expression of EDC genes during embryonic development. Several EDC genes are expressed predominantly or exclusively in embryo-specific cell layers, whereas others are confined to the epidermal layers that are maintained in postnatal skin. The S100 fused-type proteins scaffoldin and trichohyalin are expressed in the avian and mammalian periderm, respectively. Scaffoldin forms the so-called periderm granules, which are histological markers of the periderm in birds. Epidermal differentiation cysteine-rich protein (EDCRP) and epidermal differentiation protein containing DPCC motifs (EDDM) are expressed in the avian subperiderm where they are supposed to undergo cross-linking via disulfide bonds. Furthermore, a histidine-rich epidermal differentiation protein and feather-type corneous beta-proteins, also known as beta-keratins, are expressed in the subperiderm. The accumulating evidence for roles of EDC genes in the development of the epidermis has implications on the evolutionary diversification of the skin in amniotes.

Environmental Factors Affecting Feather Taphonomy

The exceptional preservation of feathers in the fossil record has led to a better understanding of both phylogeny and evolution. Here we address factors that may have contributed to the preservation of feathers in ancient organisms using experimental taphonomy. We show that the atmospheres of the Mesozoic, known to be elevated in both CO2 and with temperatures above present levels, may have contributed to the preservation of these soft tissues by facilitating rapid precipitation of hydroxy- or carbonate hydroxyapatite, thus outpacing natural degradative processes. Data also support that that microbial degradation was enhanced in elevated CO2, but mineral deposition was also enhanced, contributing to preservation by stabilizing the organic components of feathers.

Single-cell transcriptomics defines keratinocyte differentiation in avian scutate scales

The growth of skin appendages, such as hair, feathers and scales, depends on terminal differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes. Here, we investigated keratinocyte differentiation in avian scutate scales. Cells were isolated from the skin on the legs of 1-day old chicks and subjected to single-cell transcriptomics. We identified two distinct populations of differentiated keratinocytes. The first population was characterized by mRNAs encoding cysteine-rich keratins and corneous beta-proteins (CBPs), also known as beta-keratins, of the scale type, indicating that these cells form hard scales. The second population of differentiated keratinocytes contained mRNAs encoding cysteine-poor keratins and keratinocyte-type CBPs, suggesting that these cells form the soft interscale epidermis. We raised an antibody against keratin 9-like cysteine-rich 2 (KRT9LC2), which is encoded by an mRNA enriched in the first keratinocyte population. Immunostaining confirmed expression of KRT9LC2 in the suprabasal epidermal layers of scutate scales but not in interscale epidermis. Keratinocyte differentiation in chicken leg skin resembled that in human skin with regard to the transcriptional upregulation of epidermal differentiation complex genes and genes involved in lipid metabolism and transport. In conclusion, this study defines gene expression programs that build scutate scales and interscale epidermis of birds and reveals evolutionarily conserved keratinocyte differentiation genes.

Immunolocalization of epidermal differentiation complex proteins reveals distinct molecular compositions of cells that control structure and mechanical properties of avian skin appendages

The epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) is a cluster of genes that encode structural proteins of skin derivatives with variable mechanical performances, from the scales of reptiles and birds to the hard claws and beaks, and to the flexible but resistant corneous material of feathers. Corneous proteins with or without extended beta-regions are produced from avian genomes, and include the largely prevalent corneous beta proteins (CβPs, formerly indicated as beta-keratins), and minor contribution from histidine-rich proteins, trichohyalin-like proteins (scaffoldin), loricrin, and other proteins rich in cysteine or other types of amino acids. The light-microscopic and ultrastructural immunolocalization of major and minor EDC-proteins in avian skin (feather CβPs, EDKM, EDWM, EDMTFH, EDDM, and scaffoldin) suggests that each specific appendage consists of a particular mix of these proteins in addition to the main proteins containing a peculiar beta-region of 34 amino acids, indicated as feather/scale/claw/beak CβPs (fCβPs, sCβPs, cCβPs, bCβPs). This indicates that numerous proteins of the EDC are added to the variable meshwork of intermediate filament keratins to produce avian epidermis with different mechanical and functional properties. Although the specific roles for these proteins are not known they likely make an important contribution to the final material properties of the different skin appendages of birds. The highest number of sauropsid CβPs is found in birds, suggesting a relation to the evolution of feathers, and additional epidermal differentiation proteins have contributed to the evolutionary adaptations of avian skin.

Comparative ultrastructural-functional characterizations of the skin in three reptile species; Chalcides ocellatus, Uromastyx aegyptia aegyptia, and Psammophis schokari aegyptia (FORSKAL, 1775): Adaptive strategies to their habitat

The current investigation was planned utilizing SEM, histological, and furthermore cytokeratin immunohistochemical to give a full depiction of skin of three reptiles species; Chalcides ocellatus (Scincidae), Uromastyx aegyptia aegyptia (Agamidae), and Psammophis schokari aegyptia (Colubridae) captured from Egypt with various ecological environment. Our SEM results showed different scales covered epidermis of three reptile's species with diverse surface microstructure. Overlapped rhomboid scales with numerous lenticular sense organs with numerous pores and oberhäutchen layer with microridges in C. ocellatus. In U. aegyptia, scales were overlapped elliptical-shaped possess lens-like sense structure with several scattered pits and oberhäutchen layer with polygonal outlined cells. While in P. schokari aegyptia, smooth scales flattened with two large dome-shaped scale receptors/sensilla and lens-like sense structure, moreover polygonal-shaped micro-ornamentation in scale hinge joints were observed. Histologically, skin of three species had outer epidermis with stratum germinativum, stratum corneum (α-keratin, β-keratin layer) capped by surface Oberhäutchen and inner dermis. Osteoderms were observed with dermis of C. ocellatus. There are marked variation within pigment cells types among examined species. Melanophores observed in dermal layer of C. ocellatus, while in U. aegyptia, three pigment cells in tegument dermis; melanophores, xanthophores, and iridophores whereas, P. schokari aegyptia had two forms of chromatophore cells (melanophores and iridophores) in dermis and few melanophores scattered between stratum germinativum cells. The highest cytokeratin immunostaining observed in epidermal cell layer of U. aegyptia aegyptia than two other species. Conclusion, dry scaly skin of reptiles reflects a great range of functional aspects and success to adapt with terrestrial life.

Detection of endogenous lipids in chicken feathers distinct from preen gland constituents

Bird feather lipids are usually attributed to the oily secretion product of the uropygial (preen) gland. We have observed, however, that feathers exhibit a strong reaction with osmium tetroxide (OsO4), even after treatment with detergents. This leads us to postulate the existence of endogenous feather lipids distinct from preen gland lipids. In order to substantiate our hypothesis, we investigated down feathers from a 1-day-old chicken as their uropgygial gland is not functionally active. The results confirmed the osmiophilic reaction, which was concentrated in the center of barbs and strongly reduced after lipid extraction. In these lipid extracts, we identified using thin layer chromatography, cholesterol, various ceramides, glycolipids, phospholipids, and fatty acids, which closely resembled the lipid composition of the water barrier in the chicken-cornified epidermal envelope. This composition is clearly distinct from chicken uropygeal gland secretion (UGS) known to consist of fatty alcohols as part of aliphatic monoester waxes and of free, predominantly saturated, fatty acids. A filter assay showed a strong reactivity between OsO4 and the fatty acids C18:1 and C18:2 and with feather lipid extracts, but not with UGS. These observations were confirmed by gas chromatography detecting unsaturated fatty acids including C18:1 and C18:2 as well as cholesterol exclusively in chicken feathers. Our results indicate that (1) endogenous lipids are detectable in chicken feathers and distinct from UGS and (2) in analogy to the morphogenesis of the cornified envelope of chicken feather lipids that may have derived from cellular feather-precursors, apparently enduring the specific cell death during developmental feather cornification.

Immunolocalization and phylogenetic profiling of the feather protein with the highest cysteine content

Feathers are the most complex skin appendages of vertebrates. Mature feathers consist of interconnected dead keratinocytes that are filled with heavily cross-linked proteins. Although the molecular architecture determines essential functions of feathers, only few feather proteins have been characterized with regard to their amino acid sequences and evolution. Here, we identify Epidermal Differentiation protein containing DPCC Motifs (EDDM) as a cysteine-rich protein that has co-evolved with other feather proteins. The EDDM gene is located within the avian epidermal differentiation complex (EDC), a cluster of genes that has originated and diversified in amniotes. EDDM shares the exon-intron organization with EDC genes of other amniotes, including humans, and a gene encoding an EDDM-like protein is present in crocodilians, suggesting that avian EDDM arose by sequence modification of an epidermal differentiation gene present in a common ancestor of archosaurs. The EDDM protein contains multiple sequence repeats and a higher number of cysteine residues than any other protein encoded in the EDC. Immunohistochemical analysis of chicken skin and skin appendages showed expression of EDDM in barb and barbules of feathers as well as in the subperiderm on embryonic scutate scales. These results suggest that the diversification and differential expression of EDDM, besides other EDC genes, was instrumental in facilitating the evolution of the most complex molecular architecture of feathers.

Comparative Analysis of Epidermal Differentiation Genes of Crocodilians Suggests New Models for the Evolutionary Origin of Avian Feather Proteins

The epidermis of amniotes forms a protective barrier against the environment and the differentiation program of keratinocytes, the main cell type in the epidermis, has undergone specific alterations in the course of adaptation of amniotes to a broad variety of environments and lifestyles. The epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) is a cluster of genes expressed at late stages of keratinocyte differentiation in both sauropsids and mammals. In the present study, we identified and analyzed the crocodilian equivalent of the EDC. The gene complement of the EDC of both the American alligator and the saltwater crocodile were determined by comparative genomics, de novo gene prediction and identification of EDC transcripts in published transcriptome data. We found that crocodilians have an organization of the EDC similar to that of their closest living relatives, the birds, with which they form the clade Archosauria. Notable differences include the specific expansion of a subfamily of EDC genes in crocodilians and the loss of distinct ancestral EDC genes in birds. Identification and comparative analysis of crocodilian orthologs of avian feather proteins suggest that the latter evolved by cooption and sequence modification of ancestral EDC genes, and that the amplification of an internal highly cysteine-enriched amino acid sequence motif gave rise to the feather component epidermal differentiation cysteine-rich protein in the avian lineage. Thus, sequence diversification of EDC genes contributed to the evolutionary divergence of the crocodilian and avian integuments.

Review: cornification, morphogenesis and evolution of feathers

Feathers are corneous microramifications of variable complexity derived from the morphogenesis of barb ridges. Histological and ultrastructural analyses on developing and regenerating feathers clarify the three-dimensional organization of cells in barb ridges. Feather cells derive from folds of the embryonic epithelium of feather germs from which barb/barbule cells and supportive cells organize in a branching structure. The following degeneration of supportive cells allows the separation of barbule cells which are made of corneous beta-proteins and of lower amounts of intermediate filament (IF)(alpha) keratins, histidine-rich proteins, and corneous proteins of the epidermal differentiation complex. The specific protein association gives rise to a corneous material with specific biomechanic properties in barbules, rami, rachis, or calamus. During the evolution of different feather types, a large expansion of the genome coding for corneous feather beta-proteins occurred and formed 3-4-nm-thick filaments through a different mechanism from that of 8-10 nm IF keratins. In the chick, over 130 genes mainly localized in chromosomes 27 and 25 encode feather corneous beta-proteins of 10-12 kDa containing 97-105 amino acids. About 35 genes localized in chromosome 25 code for scale proteins (14-16 kDa made of 122-146 amino acids), claws and beak proteins (14-17 kDa proteins of 134-164 amino acids). Feather morphogenesis is periodically re-activated to produce replacement feathers, and multiple feather types can result from the interactions of epidermal and dermal tissues. The review shows schematic models explaining the translation of the morphogenesis of barb ridges present in the follicle into the three-dimensional shape of the main types of branched or un-branched feathers such as plumulaceous, pennaceous, filoplumes, and bristles. The temporal pattern of formation of barb ridges in different feather types and the molecular control from the dermal papilla through signaling molecules are poorly known. The evolution and diversification of the process of morphogenesis of barb ridges and patterns of their formation within feathers follicle allowed the origin and diversification of numerous types of feathers, including the asymmetric planar feathers for flight.

Immunolocalization of a Histidine-Rich Epidermal Differentiation Protein in the Chicken Supports the Hypothesis of an Evolutionary Developmental Link between the Embryonic Subperiderm and Feather Barbs and Barbules

The morphogenesis of feathers is a complex process that depends on a tight spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression and assembly of the protein components of mature feathers. Recent comparative genomics and gene transcription studies have indicated that genes within the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) encode numerous structural proteins of cornifying skin cells in amniotes including birds. Here, we determined the localization of one of these proteins, termed EDMTFH (Epidermal Differentiation Protein starting with a MTF motif and rich in Histidine), which belongs to a group of EDC-encoded proteins rich in aromatic amino acid residues. We raised an antibody against an EDMTFH-specific epitope and performed immunohistochemical investigations by light microscopy and immunogold labeling by electron microscopy of chicken embryos at days 14-18 of development. EDMTFH was specifically present in the subperiderm, a transient layer of the embryonic epidermis, and in barbs and barbules of feathers. In the latter, it partially localized to bundles of so-called feather beta-keratins (corneous beta-proteins, CBPs). Cells of the embryonic periderm, the epidermis proper, and the feather sheath were immunonegative for EDMTFH. The results of this study indicate that EDMTFH may contribute to the unique mechanical properties of feathers and define EDMTFH as a common marker of the subperiderm and the feather barbules. This expression pattern of EDMTFH resembles that of epidermal differentiation cysteine-rich protein (EDCRP) and feather CBPs and is in accordance with the hypothesis that a major part of the cyclically regenerating feather follicle is topologically, developmentally and evolutionarily related to the embryonic subperiderm.

Convergent evolution of cysteine-rich proteins in feathers and hair

Background

Feathers and hair consist of cornified epidermal keratinocytes in which proteins are crosslinked via disulfide bonds between cysteine residues of structural proteins to establish mechanical resilience. Cysteine-rich keratin-associated proteins (KRTAPs) are important components of hair whereas the molecular components of feathers have remained incompletely known. Recently, we have identified a chicken gene, named epidermal differentiation cysteine-rich protein (EDCRP), that encodes a protein with a cysteine content of 36%. Here we have investigated the putative role of EDCRP in the molecular architecture and evolution of feathers.

Results

Comparative genomics showed that the presence of an EDCRP gene and the high cysteine content of the encoded proteins are conserved among birds. Avian EDCRPs contain a species-specific number of sequence repeats with the consensus sequence CCDPCQ(K/Q)(S/P)V, thus resembling mammalian cysteine-rich KRTAPs which also contain sequence repeats of similar sequence. However, differences in gene loci and exon-intron structures suggest that EDCRP and KRTAPs have not evolved from a common gene ancestor but represent the products of convergent sequence evolution. mRNA in situ hybridization demonstrated that chicken EDCRP is expressed in the subperiderm layer of the embryonic epidermis and in the barbule cells of growing feathers. This expression pattern supports the hypothesis that feathers are evolutionarily derived from the subperiderm.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that convergent sequence evolution of avian EDCRP and mammalian KRTAPs has contributed to independent evolution of feathers and hair, respectively.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0360-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Gap and tight junctions in the formation of feather branches: A descriptive ultrastructural study

The present study has focused on the distribution and ultrastructure of gap and tight junctions responsible for the formation of the barb/barbule branching in developing feathers using immunocytochemical detection. Apart from desmosomes, both tight and gap junctions are present between differentiating barb/barbule cells and during keratinization. While gap junctions are rare along the perimeter of these cells, tight junctions tend to remain localized in nodes joining barbule cells and between barb cells of the ramus. Occludin and connexin-26 but not connexin-43 have been detected between barb medullary, barb cortical and barbule cells during formation of barbs. Gap junctions are present in supportive cells located in the vicinity of barbule cells and destined to degenerate, but no close junctions are present between supportive and barb/barbule cells. Close junctions mature into penta-laminar junctions that are present between mature barb/barbule cells. Immunolabeling for occludin and Cx26 is rare along these cornified junctions. The junctions allow barb/barbule cells to remain connected until feather-keratin form the mature corneous syncytium that constitutes the barbs. A discussion of the role of gap and tight junctions during feather morphogenesis is presented.

Structure and functions of keratin proteins in simple, stratified, keratinized and cornified epithelia

Historically, the term 'keratin' stood for all of the proteins extracted from skin modifications, such as horns, claws and hooves. Subsequently, it was realized that this keratin is actually a mixture of keratins, keratin filament-associated proteins and other proteins, such as enzymes. Keratins were then defined as certain filament-forming proteins with specific physicochemical properties and extracted from the cornified layer of the epidermis, whereas those filament-forming proteins that were extracted from the living layers of the epidermis were grouped as 'prekeratins' or 'cytokeratins'. Currently, the term 'keratin' covers all intermediate filament-forming proteins with specific physicochemical properties and produced in any vertebrate epithelia. Similarly, the nomenclature of epithelia as cornified, keratinized or non-keratinized is based historically on the notion that only the epidermis of skin modifications such as horns, claws and hooves is cornified, that the non-modified epidermis is a keratinized stratified epithelium, and that all other stratified and non-stratified epithelia are non-keratinized epithelia. At this point in time, the concepts of keratins and of keratinized or cornified epithelia need clarification and revision concerning the structure and function of keratin and keratin filaments in various epithelia of different species, as well as of keratin genes and their modifications, in view of recent research, such as the sequencing of keratin proteins and their genes, cell culture, transfection of epithelial cells, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Recently, new functions of keratins and keratin filaments in cell signaling and intracellular vesicle transport have been discovered. It is currently understood that all stratified epithelia are keratinized and that some of these keratinized stratified epithelia cornify by forming a Stratum corneum. The processes of keratinization and cornification in skin modifications are different especially with respect to the keratins that are produced. Future research in keratins will provide a better understanding of the processes of keratinization and cornification of stratified epithelia, including those of skin modifications, of the adaptability of epithelia in general, of skin diseases, and of the changes in structure and function of epithelia in the course of evolution. This review focuses on keratins and keratin filaments in mammalian tissue but keratins in the tissues of some other vertebrates are also considered.

The role of β-sheets in the structure and assembly of keratins

X-ray diffraction, infrared and electron microscope studies of avian and reptilian keratins, and of stretched wool and hair, have played a central role in the development of models for the β-conformation in proteins. Both α- and β-keratins contain sequences that are predicted to adopt a β-conformation and these are believed to play an important part in the assembly of the filaments and in determining their mechanical properties. Interactions between the small β-sheets in keratins provide a simple mechanism through which shape and chemical complementarity can mediate the assembly of molecules into highly specific structures. Interacting β-sheets in crystalline proteins are often related to one another by diad symmetry and the data available on feather keratin suggest that the filament is assembled from dimers in which the β-sheets are related by a perpendicular diad. The most detailed model currently available is for feather and reptilian keratin but the presence of related β-structural forms in mammalian keratins is also noted.

Evolutionary relationships among copies of feather beta ({beta}) keratin genes from several avian orders

The feather beta (β) keratins of the white leghorn chicken (order Galliformes, Gallus gallus domesticus) are the products of a multigene family that includes claw, feather, feather-like, and scale genes (Presland et al. 1989a). Here we characterize the feather β-keratin genes in additional bird species. We designed primers for polymerase chain reactions (PCR) using sequences available from chicken, cloned the resulting amplicons to isolate individual copies, and sequenced multiple clones from each PCR reaction for which we obtained amplicons of the expected size. Feather β-keratins of 18 species from eight avian orders demonstrate DNA sequence variation within and among taxa, even in the protein-coding regions of the genes. Phylogenies of these data suggest that Galliformes (fowl-like birds), Psittaciformes (parrots), and possibly Falconiformes (birds of prey) existed as separate lineages before duplication of the feather β-keratin gene began in Ciconiiformes (herons, storks, and allies), Gruiformes (cranes, rails, and allies), and Piciformes (woodpeckers and allies). Sequences from single species of Coraciiformes (kingfishers) and Columbiformes (pigeons) are monophyletic and strikingly divergent, suggesting feather β-keratin genes in these birds also diverged after these species last shared a common ancestor with the other taxa investigated. Overall, these data demonstrate considerable variation in this structural protein in the relatively recent history of birds, and raise questions concerning the origin and homology of claw, feather-like, and scale β-keratins of birds and the reptilian β-keratins.

Hard cornification in reptilian epidermis in comparison to cornification in mammalian epidermis

The structure of reptilian hard (beta)-keratins, their nucleotide and amino acid sequence, and the organization of their genes are presented. These 13-19 kDa proteins are basic, rich in glycine, proline and serine, and different from cytokeratins. Their mRNAs are expressed in beta-cells. The central part of beta-keratins (this region has been previously termed 'core-box' and is peculiar of all sauropsid proteins) is composed of two beta-folded regions and shows a high identity with avian beta-keratins. This central part present in all beta-keratins, including feather keratins, is the site of polymerization to build the framework of beta-keratin filaments. Beta-keratins appear cytokeratin-associated proteins. Their central region might have originated in an ancestral glycine-rich protein present in stem reptiles from which beta-keratins evolved and diversified into reptiles and birds. Stem reptiles of the Carboniferous period might have possessed glycine-rich proteins derived from exons/domains corresponding to the variable, glycine-rich region of cytokeratins. Beta-keratins might have derived from a gene coding for small glycine-rich keratin-associated proteins. The glycine-rich regions evolved differently in the lineage leading to modern reptiles and birds versus that leading to mammals. In the reptilian lineage some amino acid regions produced by point mutations and amino acid changes might have given rise to originate the central beta-pleated region. The latter allowed the formation of filamentous proteins (beta-keratins) associated with intermediate filament keratins and replaced them in beta-keratin cells. In the mammalian lineage no beta-pleated region was generated in their matrix proteins, the glycine-rich keratin-associated proteins. The latter evolved as glycine-tyrosine-rich, sulphur-rich, and ultra-sulphur-rich proteins that are used for building hairs, horns and nails.

Cell structure of developing downfeathers in the zebrafinch with emphasis on barb ridge morphogenesis

The present ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study on the embryonic feathers of the zebrafinch, an altricial passerine bird, describes cellular differentiation of developing downfeathers. Barb ridges are folds of the original epidermis of the embryonic feather germ in which the basal-apical polarity of epidermal cells is upset. The result is the loss of most germinal activity of basal cells of the barb ridges so that only the embryonic epidermal layers remain. The more external layer is the primary periderm, followed by 4-6 layers of inner-periderm cells that mature into feather sheath and barb vane ridge cells. The following layer, the subperiderm, produces a small type of beta-keratin typical of feathers. In barb ridges, the subperiderm layer is displaced to form barbule plates and barb cells. The formation of branching barbules occurs by the presence of barb vane ridge cells that function as spacers between barbule cells. The fourth layer is homologous to the germinal layer of the epidermis, but in barb ridges it rapidly loses the germinal capability and becomes the cyclindrical layer of marginal plates. The study indicates that a necrotic process determines the carving out of the final feather shape, although apoptosis may also play a role. In fact, after barb and barbule cells have formed a keratinized syncitium, retraction of the vascular bed determines anoxia with the resultant necrosis of all feather cells. Only those of the keratinized syncitium remain to form the feather while supportive cells disappear. The sheath covering the barb and barbule syncitium is lost by the formation of a sloughing layer following degeneration of external barb ridge vane cells and loss of the sheath. It is proposed that the evolution of the morphogenetic process of barb ridge formation was peculiar to tubular outgrowths of the integument of archosaurian reptiles that evolved into birds. Once established in the embryonic programmes of skin morphogenesis of ancient birds, variations in the process of barb ridge morphogenesis allowed the fusion of ridges into large or branched ridges that originated the rachis. This process produced pennaceous feathers, among which were those later used for flight. The present study stresses that the morphogenetic process of barb ridge formation determines the concomitant appearance of barbs and barbules. As a consequence, intermediate forms of evolving feathers with only barbs but not barbules are unlikely or are derived from alteration of the above basic morphogenetic mechanism.

Isolation of a mRNA encoding a glycine-proline-rich beta-keratin expressed in the regenerating epidermis of lizard

During scale regeneration in lizard tail, an active differentiation of beta-keratin synthesizing cells occurs. The cDNA and amino acid sequence of a lizard beta-keratin has been obtained from mRNA isolated from regenerating epidermis. Degenerate oligonucleotides, selected from the translated amino acid sequence of a lizard claw protein, were used to amplify a specific lizard keratin cDNA fragment from the mRNA after reverse transcription with poly dT primer and subsequent polymerase chain reaction (3'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends analysis, 3'-RACE). The new sequence was used to design specific primers to obtain the complete cDNA sequence by 5'-RACE. The 835-nucleotide cDNA sequence encodes a glycine-proline-rich protein containing 163 amino acids with a molecular mass of 15.5 kDa; 4.3% of its amino acids is represented by cysteine, 4.9% by tyrosine, 8.0% by proline, and 29.4% by glycine. Tyrosine is linked to glycine, and proline is present mainly in the central region of the protein. Repeated glycine-glycine-X and glycine-X amino acid sequences are localized near the N-amino and C-terminal regions. The protein has the central amino acid region similar to that of claw-feather, whereas the head and tail regions are similar to glycine-tyrosine-rich proteins of mammalian hairs. In situ hybridization analysis at light and electron microscope reveals that the corresponding mRNA is expressed in cells of the differentiating beta-layers of the regenerating scales. The synthesis of beta-keratin from its mRNA occurs among ribosomes or is associated with the surface of beta-keratin filaments.

Cell structure of barb ridges in down feathers and juvenile wing feathers of the developing chick embryo: Barb ridge modification in relation to feather evolution

The present study deals with the cell structure and three-dimensional organization of barb and barbule cells within barb ridges of down feathers and juvenile feathers in the chick embryo. Juvenile feathers represent the second generation of feathers in the wing, and replace down feathers some weeks after hatching. Within the follicle of juvenile feathers, at 16-18 days of embryonic development, barb ridges are more numerous than in down feathers. Barb ridges of juvenile feathers contain more cells in their barbule and axial plates with respect to barb ridges of down feathers. This condition determines the formation of longer barbules inserted in the rami of juvenile feathers than barbules of down feathers. Barb ridges of juvenile feathers merge with the rachidial ridge so that pennaceous feathers are formed. Barbule cells are surrounded by cytoplasmic elongation from barb vane ridge cells located in the axial plate, which constitute most of the axial plate. The degeneration of supportive cells among barbule cells branching from barbs determine the formation of spaces between barbules. The study emphasizes that, in addition to the size of the dermal papilla, it is the length of barb ridges and the infiltration of barb ridge vane cells among barbule cells that determine the size and length of feathers. The knowledge of the cell structure of barb ridges allows understanding not only of how feathers develop but also gives insights into their evolution. Based on changes of the process of barb ridge morphogenesis some hypotheses on the evolution of plumulaceous and pennaceous feathers are presented. Feathers derived from the process of carving-out supportive cells within barb ridges and from the specific pattern of fusion of barb/barbule cells. This process initially produced variably branched down feathers and later, after barb ridge fusion, a rachis. From the modulation in the pattern of barb ridge formation various pennaceous feathers later evolved.

Scale keratin in lizard epidermis reveals amino acid regions homologous with avian and mammalian epidermal proteins

Small proteins termed beta-keratins constitute the hard corneous material of reptilian scales. In order to study the cell site of synthesis of beta-keratin, an antiserum against a lizard beta-keratin of 15-16 kDa has been produced. The antiserum recognizes beta-cells of lizard epidermis and labels beta-keratin filaments using immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting. In situ hybridization using a cDNA-probe for a lizard beta-keratin mRNA labels beta-cells of the regenerating and embryonic epidermis of lizard. The mRNA is localized free in the cytoplasm or is associated with keratin filaments of beta-cells. The immunolabeling and in situ labeling suggest that synthesis and accumulation of beta-keratin are closely associated. Nuclear localization of the cDNA probe suggests that the primary transcript is similar to the cytoplasmic mRNA coding for the protein. The latter comprises a glycine-proline-rich protein of 15.5 kDa that contains 163 amino acids, in which the central amino acid region is similar to that of chick claw/feather while the head and tail regions resemble glycine-tyrosine-rich proteins of mammalian hairs. This is also confirmed by phylogenetic analysis comparing reptilian glycine-rich proteins with cytokeratins, hair keratin-associated proteins, and claw/feather keratins. It is suggested that different small glycine-rich proteins evolved from progenitor proteins present in basic (reptilian) amniotes. The evolution of these proteins originated glycine-rich proteins in scales, claws, beak of reptiles and birds, and in feathers. Some evidence suggests that at least some proteins contained within beta-keratin filaments are rich in glycine and resemble some keratin-associated proteins present in mammalian corneous derivatives. It is suggested that glycine-rich proteins with the chemical composition, immunological characteristics, and molecular weight of beta-keratins may represent the reptilian counterpart of keratin-associated proteins present in hairs, nails, hooves, and horns of mammals. These small proteins produce a hard type of corneous material due to their dense packing among cytokeratin filaments.

Ultrastructural Localization of Tritiated Histidine in Down Feathers of the Chick

During the differentiation of cells in developing down feathers of the chick embryo, keratin and associated proteins are synthesized. Previous studies indicated that a histidine-rich protein with a different amino acid composition but similar molecular weight and localization of feather keratin is produced in forming feathers. The precise localization of the histidine-rich protein, either in feather barb and barbule cells and/or in supportive cells (sheath, barb vane ridge and cylindrical cells) is not known. The present ultrastructural autoradiographic study on developing feathers in the chick embryo shows the subcellular localization of histidine-labeled molecules, presumably representing histidine-rich proteins. Two hours after injection of tritiated histidine in chick embryos, the labeling is mainly present in the cytoplasm or is associated with forming keratin filaments of barb and barbule cells. Neither keratin filaments nor dense granules of barbule cells are specifically or prevalently labeled with tritiated histidine. No labeling is seen in periderm granules or in keratinaceous dark granules of sheath and barb vane ridge cells localized among barbule cells. The present study indicates that histidine-rich material rapidly associates with newly synthesized filaments of keratin. This observation suggests that histidine-labeled material contributes to the formation of long keratin filaments with axial orientation that are utilized for the elongation of barb and barbule cells.

Cytochemical, biochemical and molecular aspects of the process of keratinization in the epidermis of reptilian scales

The characteristics of scaled skin of reptiles is one of their main features that distinguish them from the other amniotes, birds and mammals. The different scale patterns observed in extant reptiles result from a long evolutive history that allowed each species to adapt to its specific environment. The present review deals with comparative aspects of epidermal keratinization in reptiles, chelonians (turtles and tortoises), lepidosaurian (lizards, snakes, sphenodontids), archosaurians (crocodilians). Initially the morphology and cytology of reptilian scales is outlined to show the diversity in the epidermis among different groups. The structural proteins (alpha-keratins and associated proteins), and enzymes utilized to form the corneous layer of the epidermis are presented. Aside cytokeratins (alpha-keratins), used for making the cytoskeleton, reptilian alpha-keratinocytes produce interkeratin (matrix) and corneous cell envelope proteins. Keratin bundles and degraded cell organelles constitute most of the corneous material of alpha-keratinocytes. Matrix, histidine-rich and sulfur-rich proteins are produced in the soft epidermis and accumulated in the cornified cell envelope. Main emphasis is given to the composition and to the evolution of the hard keratins (beta-keratins). Beta-keratins constitute the hard corneous material of scales. These small proteins are synthesized in beta-keratinocytes and are accumulated into small packets that rapidly merge into a compact corneous material and form densely cornified layers. Beta-keratins are smaller proteins (8-20 kDa) in comparison to alpha-keratins (40-70 kDa), and this size may determine their dense packing in corneocytes. Both glycine-sulfur-rich and glycine-proline-rich proteins have been so far sequenced in the corneous material of scales in few reptilian species. The latter keratins possess C- and N-amino terminal amino acid regions with sequence homology with those of mammalian hard keratins. Also, reptilian beta-keratins possess a central core with homology with avian scale/feather keratins. Multiple genes code for these proteins and their discovery and sequentiation is presently an active field of research. These initial findings however suggest that ancient reptiles already possessed some common genes that have later diversified to produce the specific keratin-associated proteins in their descendants: extant reptiles, birds and mammals. The evolution of these small proteins in lepidosaurians, chelonians and archosaurians represent the next step to understand the evolution of cornification in reptiles and derived amniotes (birds and mammals).

Distribution and characterization of proteins associated with cornification in the epidermis of gecko lizard

The distribution and molecular weight of epidermal proteins of gecko lizards have been studied by ultrastructural, autoradiographic, and immunological methods. Setae of the climbing digital pads are cross-reactive to antibodies directed against a chick scutate scale beta-keratin but not against feather beta-keratin. Cross-reactivity for mammalian loricrin, sciellin, filaggrin, and transglutaminase are present in alpha-keratogenic layers of gecko epidermis. Alpha-keratins have a molecular weight in the range 40-58 kDa. Loricrin cross-reactive bands have molecular weights of 42, 50, and 58 kDa. Bands for filaggrin-like protein are found at 35 and 42 kDa, bands for sciellin are found at 40-45 and 50-55 kDa, and bands for transglutaminase are seen at 48-50 and 60 kDa. The specific role of these proteins remains to be elucidated. After injection of tritiated histidine, the tracer is incorporated into keratin and in setae. Tritiated proline labels the developing setae of the oberhautchen and beta layers, and proline-labeled proteins (beta-keratins) of 10-14, 16-18, 22-24 and 32-35 kDa are extracted from the epidermis. In whole epidermal extract (that includes the epidermis with corneous layer and the setae of digital pads), beta-keratins of low-molecular weight (10, 14-16, and 18-19 kDa) are prevalent over those at higher molecular weight (34 and 38 kDa). In contrast, in shed epidermis of body scales (made of corneous layer only while setae were not collected), higher molecular weight beta-keratins are present (25-27 and 30-34 kDa). This suggests that a proportion of the small beta-keratins present in the epidermis of geckos derive from the differentiating beta layer of scales and from the setae of digital pads. Neither small nor large beta-keratins of gecko epidermis cross-react with an antibody specifically directed against the feather beta-keratin of 10-12 kDa. This result shows that the 10 and 14-16 kDa beta-keratins of gecko (lepidosaurian) have a different composition than the 10-12 kDa beta-keratin of feather (archosaurian). It is suggested that the smaller beta-keratins in both lineages of sauropsids were selected during evolution in order to build elongated bundles of keratin filaments to make elongated cells. Larger beta-keratins in reptilian scales produce keratin aggregations with no orientation, used for mechanical protection.

Evolutionary origin of the feather epidermis

The formation of scales and feathers in reptiles and birds has fascinated biologists for decades. How might the developmental processes involved in the evolution of the amniote ectoderm be interpreted to shed light on the evolution of integumental appendages? An Evo-Devo approach to this question is proving essential to understand the observation that there is homology between the transient embryonic layers covering the scale epidermis of alligators and birds and the epidermal cell populations of embryonic feather filaments. Whereas the embryonic layers of scutate scales are sloughed off at hatching, that their homologues persist in feathers demonstrates that the predecessors of birds took advantage of the ability of their ectoderm to generate embryonic layers by recruiting them to make the epidermis of the embryonic feather filament. Furthermore, observations on mutant chickens with altered scale and feather development (Abbott and Asmundson [1957] J. Hered. 18:63-70; Abbott [1965] Poult. Sci. 44:1347; Abbott [1967] Methods in developmental biology. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell) suggest that the ectodermal placodes of feathers, which direct the formation of unique dermal condensations and subsequently appendage outgrowth, provided the mechanism by which the developmental processes generating the embryonic layers diverged during evolution to support the morphogenesis of the epidermis of the primitive feather filament with its barb ridges.

Do feathered dinosaurs exist? Testing the hypothesis on neontological and paleontological evidence

The origin of birds and avian flight from within the archosaurian radiation has been among the most contentious issues in paleobiology. Although there is general agreement that birds are related to theropod dinosaurs at some level, debate centers on whether birds are derived directly from highly derived theropods, the current dogma, or from an earlier common ancestor lacking suites of derived anatomical characters. Recent discoveries from the Early Cretaceous of China have highlighted the debate, with claims of the discovery of all stages of feather evolution and ancestral birds (theropod dinosaurs), although the deposits are at least 25 million years younger than those containing the earliest known bird Archaeopteryx. In the first part of the study we examine the fossil evidence relating to alleged feather progenitors, commonly referred to as protofeathers, in these putative ancestors of birds. Our findings show no evidence for the existence of protofeathers and consequently no evidence in support of the follicular theory of the morphogenesis of the feather. Rather, based on histological studies of the integument of modern reptiles, which show complex patterns of the collagen fibers of the dermis, we conclude that "protofeathers" are probably the remains of collagenous fiber "meshworks" that reinforced the dinosaur integument. These "meshworks" of the skin frequently formed aberrant patterns resembling feathers as a consequence of decomposition. Our findings also draw support from new paleontological evidence. We describe integumental structures, very similar to "protofeathers," preserved within the rib area of a Psittacosaurus specimen from Nanjing, China, an ornithopod dinosaur unconnected with the ancestry of birds. These integumental structures show a strong resemblance to the collagenous fiber systems in the dermis of many animals. We also report the presence of scales in the forearm of the theropod ornithomimid (bird mimic) dinosaur, Pelecanimimus, from Spain. In the second part of the study we examine evidence relating to the most critical character thought to link birds to derived theropods, a tridactyl hand composed of digits 1-2-3. We maintain the evidence supports interpretation of bird wing digit identity as 2,3,4, which appears different from that in theropod dinosaurs. The phylogenetic significance of Chinese microraptors is also discussed, with respect to bird origins and flight origins. We suggest that a possible solution to the disparate data is that Aves plus bird-like maniraptoran theropods (e.g., microraptors and others) may be a separate clade, distinctive from the main lineage of Theropoda, a remnant of the early avian radiation, exhibiting all stages of flight and flightlessness.

Developing Antibodies to Synthetic Peptides Based on Comparative DNA Sequencing of Multigene Families

Using antisera to analyze the expression of specific gene products is a common procedure. However, in multigene families, such as the beta-keratins of the avian integument where strong homology exists among the scale (ScbetaK), claw (ClbetaK), feather (FbetaK), and feather-like (FlbetaK) subfamilies, determining the cellular and tissue expression patterns of the subfamilies is difficult because polyclonal antisera produced from any one protein recognize all family members. Traditionally, researchers produced and screened multiple monoclonal antisera produced from the proteins of interest until an antiserum with sufficient specificity could be obtained. Unfortunately, this approach requires a lot of effort, and once obtained, such antisera may have limited applications. Here, we present procedures by which comparative DNA sequences of members from the beta-keratin multigene family were translated and aligned to identify amino acid domains that were conserved within the FbetaK subfamily, but which were divergent from the other subfamilies. A synthetic 23-mer peptide with the conserved amino acid sequence was generated and used to produce a polyclonal antiserum that recognizes only the FbetaK subfamily of proteins. Western blot analysis and confocal microscopy with this antiserum are now providing valuable new insights concerning the developmental and evolutionary relationships between the scale, claw, and feather proteins found in birds. This represents a powerful new approach combining techniques from molecular evolution and developmental biology to study the expression and evolution of specific members of multigene families.

Evo-Devo of amniote integuments and appendages

Integuments form the boundary between an organism and the environment. The evolution of novel developmental mechanisms in integuments and appendages allows animals to live in diverse ecological environments. Here we focus on amniotes. The major achievement for reptile skin is an adaptation to the land with the formation of a successful barrier. The stratum corneum enables this barrier to prevent water loss from the skin and allowed amphibian / reptile ancestors to go onto the land. Overlapping scales and production of beta-keratins provide strong protection. Epidermal invagination led to the formation of avian feather and mammalian hair follicles in the dermis. Both adopted a proximal - distal growth mode which maintains endothermy. Feathers form hierarchical branches which produce the vane that makes flight possible. Recent discoveries of feathered dinosaurs in China inspire new thinking on the origin of feathers. In the laboratory, epithelial - mesenchymal recombinations and molecular mis-expressions were carried out to test the plasticity of epithelial organ formation. We review the work on the transformation of scales into feathers, conversion between barbs and rachis and the production of "chicken teeth". In mammals, tilting the balance of the BMP pathway in K14 noggin transgenic mice alters the number, size and phenotypes of different ectodermal organs, making investigators rethink the distinction between morpho-regulation and pathological changes. Models on the evolution of feathers and hairs from reptile integuments are discussed. A hypothetical Evo-Devo space where diverse integument appendages can be placed according to complex phenotypes and novel developmental mechanisms is presented.

Differentiation of the epidermis in turtle: an immunocytochemical, autoradiographic and electrophoretic analysis

Proteins involved in the process of cornification of turtle epidermis are not well known. The present immunocytochemical, electrophoretic and autoradiographic study reports on the localization patterns and molecular weights of keratins, which are cornification proteins, and of tritiated histidine in turtle epidermis. Alpha-keratins with a molecular weight of 40-62 kDa are present in the epidermis. Beta-keratin is mainly detectable in the stratum corneum of the carapace and plastron, but is rarely present or even absent in the corneous layer of limb, tail and neck epidermis. After electrophoresis and immunoblotting with an antibody against chicken scale beta-keratin, bands at 15-17, 22-24, and 36-38 kDa appeared. This antibody recognized weaker bands at 38-40 and 58-60 kDa in the soft epidermis. After reduction and carboxymethylation of proteins extracted from carapace and plastron, but not of proteins from the soft epidermis, protein bands at 15-17 and 35-37 kDa were found when using the anti-beta 1-keratin antibody. Loricrin-, filaggrin-, sciellin-, and transglutaminase-like immunostaining was detectable only in the transitional and lowermost corneous layers of the soft epidermis. Vesicular bodies in the transitional layer were immunolabeled by the anti-loricrin antibody, and weakly by the anti-filaggrin and anti-transglutaminase antibodies. In immunoblots, the anti-loricrin antibody reacted with a major band at 50-54 kDa in both carapace-plastron and soft epidermis. The anti-sciellin antibody detected major bands at 38-40 and 50 kDa in hard epidermis, and at 50 and 54-56 kDa in soft epidermis. Filaggrin-like immunostained bands were observed at 50-55 and 62-64 kDa. This immunostaining was probably due to a common epitope in filaggrin and some keratins. Histidine was evenly incorporated in the epidermis, and the ultrastructural study showed random labeling, often associated with keratin bundles of alpha and beta-keratinocytes. Histidine-labeled protein bands were not found in the carapace-plastron. In the soft epidermis, weakly labeled bands at 15-20, 25, and 45-60 kDa were found occasionally. The latter bands probably represented neo-synthesized keratins as was also indicated by the ultrastructural autoradiographic analysis. In conclusion, our study suggests that proteins with epitopes that they have in common with cornification proteins of mammalian epidermis are also present in the epidermis of turtle.

Characterization of beta-keratins and associated proteins in adult and regenerating epidermis of lizards

Reptilian epidermis contains two types of keratin, soft (alpha) and hard (beta). The biosynthesis and molecular weight of beta-keratin during differentiation of lizard epidermis have been studied by autoradiography, immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting. Tritiated proline is mainly incorporated into differentiating and maturing beta-keratin cells with a pattern similar to that observed after immunostaining with a chicken beta-keratin antibody. While the antibody labels a mature form of beta-keratin incorporated in large filaments, the autoradiographic analysis shows that beta-keratin is produced within the first 30 min in ribosomes, and is later packed into large filaments. Also the dermis incorporates high amount of proline for the synthesis of collagen. The skin was separated into epidermis and dermis, which were analyzed separately by protein extraction and electrophoresis. In the epidermal extract proline-labeled proteic bands at 10, 15, 18-20, 42-45, 52-56, 85-90 and 120 kDa appear at 1, 3 and 5 h post-injection. The comparison with the dermal extract shows only the 85-90 and 120 kDa bands, which correspond to collagen. Probably the glycine-rich sequences of collagen present also in beta-keratins are weakly recognized by the beta-1 antibody. Immunoblotting with the beta-keratin antibody identifies proteic bands according to the isolation method. After-saline or urea-thiol extraction bands at 10-15, 18-20, 40, 55 and 62 kDa appear. After extraction and carboxymethylation, weak bands at 10-15, 18-20 and 30-32 kDa are present in some preparations, while in others also bands at 55 and 62 kDa are present. It appears that the lowermost bands at 10-20 kDa are simple beta-keratins, while those at 42-56 kDa are complex or polymeric forms of beta-keratins. The smallest beta-keratins (10-20 kDa) may be early synthesized proteins that are polymerized into larger beta-keratins which are then packed to form larger filaments. Some proline-labeled bands differ from those produced after injection of tritiated histidine. The latter treatment does not show 10-20 kDa labeled proteins, but tends to show bands at 27, 30-33, 40-42 and 50-62 kDa. Histidine-labeled proteins mainly localize in keratohyalin-like granules and dark keratin bundles of clear-oberhautchen layers of lizard epidermis, and their composition is probably different from that of beta-keratin.

Avian skin development and the evolutionary origin of feathers

The discovery of several dinosaurs with filamentous integumentary appendages of different morphologies has stimulated models for the evolutionary origin of feathers. In order to understand these models, knowledge of the development of the avian integument must be put into an evolutionary context. Thus, we present a review of avian scale and feather development, which summarizes the morphogenetic events involved, as well as the expression of the beta (beta) keratin multigene family that characterizes the epidermal appendages of reptiles and birds. First we review information on the evolution of the ectodermal epidermis and its beta (beta) keratins. Then we examine the morphogenesis of scutate scales and feathers including studies in which the extraembryonic ectoderm of the chorion is used to examine dermal induction. We also present studies on the scaleless (sc) mutant, and, because of the recent discovery of "four-winged" dinosaurs, we review earlier studies of a chicken strain, Silkie, that expresses ptilopody (pti), "feathered feet." We conclude that the ability of the ectodermal epidermis to generate discrete cell populations capable of forming functional structural elements consisting of specific members of the beta keratin multigene family was a plesiomorphic feature of the archosaurian ancestor of crocodilians and birds. Evidence suggests that the discrete epidermal lineages that make up the embryonic feather filament of extant birds are homologous with similar embryonic lineages of the developing scutate scales of birds and the scales of alligators. We believe that the early expression of conserved signaling modules in the embryonic skin of the avian ancestor led to the early morphogenesis of the embryonic feather filament, with its periderm, sheath, and barb ridge lineages forming the first protofeather. Invagination of the epidermis of the protofeather led to formation of the follicle providing for feather renewal and diversification. The observations that scale formation in birds involves an inhibition of feather formation coupled with observations on the feathered feet of the scaleless (High-line) and Silkie strains support the view that the ancestor of modern birds may have had feathered hind limbs similar to those recently discovered in nonavian dromaeosaurids. And finally, our recent observation on the bristles of the wild turkey beard raises the possibility that similar integumentary appendages may have adorned nonavian dinosaurs, and thus all filamentous integumentary appendages may not be homologous to modern feathers.

Adaptation to the sky: Defining the feather with integument fossils from mesozoic China and experimental evidence from molecular laboratories

In this special issue on the Evo-Devo of amniote integuments, Alibardi has discussed the adaptation of the integument to the land. Here we will discuss the adaptation to the sky. We first review a series of fossil discoveries representing intermediate forms of feathers or feather-like appendages from dinosaurs and Mesozoic birds from the Jehol Biota of China. We then discuss the molecular and developmental biological experiments using chicken integuments as the model. Feather forms can be modulated using retrovirus mediated gene mis-expression that mimics those found in nature today and in the evolutionary past. The molecular conversions among different types of integument appendages (feather, scale, tooth) are discussed. From this evidence, we recognize that not all organisms with feathers are birds, and that not all skin appendages with hierarchical branches are feathers. We develop a set of criteria for true avian feathers: 1) possessing actively proliferating cells in the proximal follicle for proximo-distal growth mode; 2) forming hierarchical branches of rachis, barbs, and barbules, with barbs formed by differential cell death and bilaterally or radially symmetric; 3) having a follicle structure, with mesenchyme core during development; 4) when mature, consisting of epithelia without mesenchyme core and with two sides of the vane facing the previous basal and supra-basal layers, respectively; and 5) having stem cells and dermal papilla in the follicle and hence the ability to molt and regenerate. A model of feather evolution from feather bud --> barbs --> barbules --> rachis is presented, which is opposite to the old view of scale plate --> rachis --> barbs --> barbules (Regal, '75; Q Rev Biol 50:35).

Development and evolution of the amniote integument: current landscape and future horizon

This special issue on the development and evolution of the amniote integument begins with a discussion of the adaptations to terrestrial conditions, the acquisition of water-impermeability of the reptilian integument, and the initial formation of filamentous integumentary appendages that prepare the way towards avian flight. Recent feather fossils are reviewed, and a definition of feathers is developed. Hierarchical models are proposed for the formation of complex structures, such as feathers. Molecular signals that alter the phenotype of integumentary appendages at different levels of the hierarchy are presented. Tissue interactions and the roles of keratins in evolution are discussed and linked to their bio-mechanical properties. The role of mechanical forces on patterning is explored. Elaborate extant feather variants are introduced. The regeneration/gene mis-expression protocol for the chicken feather is established as a testable model for the study of biological structures. The adaptations of the mammalian distal limb end organs to terrestrial, arboreal and aquatic conditions are discussed. The development and cycling of hair are reviewed from a molecular perspective. These contributions reveal that the structure and function of diverse integumentary appendages are variations that are superimposed on a common theme, and that their formation is modular, hierarchical and cyclical. They further reveal that these mechanisms can be understood at the molecular level, and that an integrative and organismal approach to studying integumentary appendages is called for. We propose that future research should foster interdisciplinary approaches, pursue understanding at the cellular and molecular level, analyze interactions between the environment and genome, and recognize the contributions of variation in morphogenesis and evolution.

Horse hooves and bird feathers: Two model systems for studying the structure and development of highly adapted integumentary accessory organs--the role of the dermo-epidermal interface for the micro-architecture of complex epidermal structures

Accessory organs of the integument are locally modified parts of the potentially feather-bearing skin in birds (e.g., the rhamphotheca, claws, or scales), and of the potentially hairy skin in mammals (e.g., the rhinarium, nails, claws, or hooves). These special parts of the integument are characterised by a modified structure of their epidermal, dermal and subcutaneous layers. The developmental processes of these various integumentary structures in birds and mammals show both similarities and differences. For example, the development of the specialised epidermal structures of both feathers and the hoof capsule is influenced by the local three-dimensional configuration of the dermis. However, in feathers, in contrast to hooves, the arrangement of the corneous cells is only partially a direct result of the particular arrangement and shape of the dermal surface of the papillary body. Whereas the diameter of the feather papilla, as well as the number, length, and width of dermal ridges on the surface of the feather papilla influence the three-dimensional architecture of the feather rami, there is no apparent direct correlation between the dermo-epidermal interface and the development of the highly ordered architecture of the radii and hamuli in the feather vane. In order to elucidate this morphogenic problem and the problem of locally different processes of keratinisation and cornification, the structure and development of feathers in birds are compared to those of the hoof capsule in horses. The equine hoof is the most complex mammalian integumentary structure, which is determined directly by the dermal surface of the papillary body. Perspectives for further research on the development of modified integumentary structures, such as the role of the dermal microangioarchitecture and the selective adhesion and various differentiation pathways of epidermal cells, are discussed.

Origin of archosaurian integumentary appendages: the bristles of the wild turkey beard express feather-type beta keratins

The discovery that structurally unique "filamentous integumentary appendages" are associated with several different non-avian dinosaurs continues to stimulate the development of models to explain the evolutionary origin of feathers. Taking the phylogenetic relationships of the non-avian dinosaurs into consideration, some models propose that the "filamentous integumentary appendages" represent intermediate stages in the sequential evolution of feathers. Here we present observations on a unique integumentary structure, the bristle of the wild turkey beard, and suggest that this non-feather appendage provides another explanation for some of the "filamentous integumentary appendages." Unlike feathers, beard bristles grow continuously from finger-like outgrows of the integument lacking follicles. We find that these beard bristles, which show simple branching, are hollow, distally, and express the feather-type beta keratins. The significance of these observations to explanations for the evolution of archosaurian integumentary appendages is discussed.