Dynamic epigenetic and transcriptomic reprogramming during embryonic skin development in goose (Anser anser...

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Epigenetics
• Genomics

Background:

• Feather follicles are crucial skin appendages in birds, essential for thermoregulation and protection.
• Their development involves intricate genetic and epigenetic processes during embryogenesis.
• Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into avian skin appendage formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate dynamic epigenetic-transcriptomic changes during Hungarian white goose embryonic skin and feather follicle development.
• To identify key regulatory genes and signaling pathways involved in feather morphogenesis.
• To explore the interplay between chromatin accessibility and gene expression.

Main Methods:

• Histological analysis of embryonic goose skin at different developmental stages (E10, E13, E18).
• RNA sequencing (transcriptomics) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
• Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) to map chromatin accessibility.

Main Results:

• Histology confirmed sequential development from epidermis to feather buds and complex follicles.
• Transcriptomics identified DEGs enriched in epidermal development, adhesion, and keratinization, with distinct pathways active at different stages (Wnt, TGF-β, lipid metabolism, VEGF).
• ATAC-seq revealed dynamic chromatin accessibility, with stage-specific promoter openness and enriched motifs, correlating with signaling pathways and cellular processes like differentiation and homeostasis.

Conclusions:

• Coordinated epigenetic and transcriptional regulation governs goose feather follicle morphogenesis.
• Specific signaling pathways (Wnt, TGF-β, lipid metabolism, FoxO) and transcription factors (LEF1, MSX2, FOXN1) are critical.
• The findings offer valuable insights into avian and vertebrate skin appendage development and regulation.