The making of a feather: homeoproteins, retinoids and adhesion molecules.

We have been using feather development as a model for understanding the molecular basis of pattern formation and to explore the roles of homeoproteins, retinoids and adhesion molecules in this process. Two kinds of homeobox (Hox) protein gradients in the skin have been identified: a 'microgradient' within a single feather bud and a 'macrogradient' across the feather tract. The asynchronous alignment of different Hox macrogradients establishes a unique repertoire of Hox expression patterns in skin appendages within the integument, designated here as the 'Hox codes of skin appendages'. It is hypothesized that these Hox codes contribute to the phenotypic determination of skin appendages. High doses of retinoic acid cause a morphological transformation between feather and scale, while low doses of retinoic acid cause an alteration of the axial orientation of skin appendages. We have tested the ability of molecules directly involved in the feather formation process to mediate the action of the Hox codes, and surmise that adhesion molecules are potential candidates. Using specific Fabs to suppress the activity of adhesion molecules, we have found that L-CAM is involved in the formation of the hexagonal pattern, N-CAM is involved in mediating dermal condensations, tenascin is involved in feather bud growth and elongation, and integrin beta-1 is essential for epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. More work is in progress to fully understand the molecular pathways regulating the feather formation process.