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Disruption of scale development by Delta-1 misexpression
1Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Developmental Biology
|April 1, 1998
Summary
Notch signaling, particularly Delta-1, influences chick scale development. Misexpression of Delta-1 causes scale loss and feather bud formation, suggesting it inhibits scale fate.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Notch signaling is crucial for cell fate decisions.
- Its role in feather vs. smooth skin fate is proposed.
- The function in scale development remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Notch signaling in embryonic chick scale fate determination.
- To examine the expression patterns of Notch pathway components during scale development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Notch-1, Notch-2, Serrate-1, Serrate-2, and Delta-1 expression in developing chick scales.
- Misexpression of chick Delta-1 using a replication-competent retrovirus.
Main Results:
- Notch-1, -2, Serrate-1, -2, and Delta-1 are expressed during scale development.
- Delta-1 misexpression led to localized scale loss.
- Feather buds were observed on some affected scales (scuta).
Conclusions:
- Delta-1 appears to inhibit skin appendage fate, including scales.
- Delta-1 may also promote feather fate.
- Notch signaling is a key regulator of avian skin appendage diversification.