Work

Molecular Shaping of the Beak

Year: 2004

Type: article

Abstract: Beak shape is a classic example of evolutionary diversification. Beak development in chicken and duck was used to examine morphological variations among avian species. There is only one proliferative zone in the frontonasal mass of chickens, but two in ducks. These growth zones are associated with bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) activity. By "tinkering" with BMP4 in beak prominences, the shapes of the chicken beak can be modulated.

Source: Science

DOI: 10.1126/science.1098109

Authors: Ping Wu, Ting-Xin Jiang, Sanong Suksaweang, Randall Bruce Widelitz, Cheng-Ming Chuong

Institution: University of Southern California

Language: English

Topic: Developmental Biology and Gene Regulation

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Awards: B-CATENIN PATHWAY IN REGULATED AND INDUCED NEW GROWTH, Development and Regeneration of Skin Appendages, Epigenetic Regulation of Skin Regional Specificity