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BMP2 and BMP7 play antagonistic roles in feather induction
Frederic Michon1, Loïc Forest, Elodie Collomb
1Equipe Ontogenèse et Cellules Souches du Tégument, Centre de Recherche INSERM UJF - U823, Institut Albert Bonniot, Site Santé, La Tronche, BP170, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|July 19, 2008
Summary
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play a complex role in feather development. BMP7 attracts cells, while BMP2 halts migration, both crucial for feather formation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Feathers, like hair, originate from epidermal placodes and dermal condensations.
- Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were previously thought to inhibit skin appendage formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the complex role of specific BMPs in feather development.
- To elucidate the antagonistic functions of BMP2 and BMP7 in feather morphogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of BMP2 and BMP7 expression patterns during feather development.
- Investigating the cellular mechanisms of BMP action, including cell migration and proliferation.
- Development of a mathematical reaction-diffusion model to simulate feather patterning.
Main Results:
- BMP2 and BMP7 exhibit antagonistic roles in regulating dermal condensation formation.
- BMP7 acts as an early chemoattractant, recruiting cells for condensation.
- BMP2 functions later, inhibiting cell migration via modulation of fibronectin and integrin expression.
- A mathematical model successfully simulated feather patterning and the effects of BMPs.
Conclusions:
- BMP2 and BMP7 are essential, acting antagonistically, for feather morphogenesis.
- The timing and interplay of BMP2 and BMP7 are critical for feather development.
- Mathematical modeling provides insights into feather patterning mechanisms and BMP functions.
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