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Bioelectric state transitions enable de novo feather bud formation in developing skin
Hans I-Chen Harn1, Zhou Yu1, Chih-Han Huang1,2,3
1Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|July 10, 2026
Summary
Perturbing calcium signaling in embryonic skin can induce new feather bud formation. This process involves developmental bioelectricity, revealing a new regulatory layer in tissue patterning.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cellular biophysics
Background:
- Tissue patterning is crucial for development and regeneration.
- Factors initiating morphogenetic patterning are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of calcium signaling and developmental bioelectricity in initiating feather bud formation.
- To explore how ion channel perturbations influence feather bud development.
Main Methods:
- Using embryonic chicken skin as a model system.
- Perturbing calcium signaling and ion channel activity.
- Employing live calcium imaging and extracellular electrophysiological recordings.
- Analyzing gene expression of ion channels and morphogens.
Main Results:
- Calcium signaling perturbation induced de novo feather bud formation in apteric skin.
- Ion channel perturbations modulated the number, distribution, size, and shape of feather buds.
- Elevated calcium activity and inward bioelectric currents were observed during feather bud induction.
- Potassium channel blockade inhibited bud formation by suppressing calcium dynamics and endogenous currents.
- Canonical feather morphogenesis pathways (Shh, β-catenin) were activated in induced buds.
Conclusions:
- Developmental bioelectricity plays a significant role in regulating the threshold for feather bud formation.
- Ion channel activity and bioelectric currents represent an unrecognized regulatory layer in tissue patterning and morphogenesis.
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