Scientists Transform Chickens with Dino-Like Feathers by Manipulating the Sonic Hedgehog Gene: An Unbelievable Genetic Breakthrough!

Scientists recently made a significant discovery about chicken feathers, connecting them to their ancient dinosaur ancestors. By blocking a specific gene during chicken embryonic development, researchers were able to create feathers that resembled primitive proto-feathers from over 250 million years ago. This fascinating study shows just how complex feather evolution really is.

The team focused on the “Sonic Hedgehog” gene, which plays a crucial role in feather development. They temporarily inhibited this gene in chicken embryos, leading to slower feather growth and some missing patches at hatching. However, within weeks, the chickens’ feathers returned to normal.

According to Professor Michel Milinkovitch from the University of Geneva, while they were able to disrupt feather development temporarily, achieving long-term changes proved much more challenging. He noted that through evolution, the gene networks regulating feather growth have become very resilient. “These interactions in the genes ensure feathers develop properly, even when faced with genetic or environmental challenges,” Milinkovitch explained.

This research adds to the broader understanding of how feathers came to be. The first feathers were not the intricate designs we see today but simple structures, like tiny tubes. To explore this further, Milinkovitch and his colleague Rory Cooper used advanced imaging techniques to study the early stages of feather growth in chicken embryos. This helped them visualize the process from the first signs of feather placement to their eventual development into more complex forms.

Interestingly, feathers begin to form just nine days after the egg is laid. Initially, the developing chickens show thick spots, called placodes, which later develop into feather buds. These buds evolve into the feather structures we recognize, thanks to keratin, a protein found in both human hair and nails.

The research highlights that even though the Sonic Hedgehog gene was temporarily disrupted, it played a significant role in both the historical evolution of feathers and their diversity across bird species today. After temporarily inhibiting the gene, researchers observed that while feather growth might stall, it ultimately resumes normal development as the chickens matured.

This study was published in the journal PLOS Biology on March 19, indicating a step forward in our understanding of bird evolution. Milinkovitch emphasizes that the next challenge is to understand how these genetic interactions evolved to foster the emergence of proto-feathers in early dinosaurs.

As scientists continue to explore this field, it’s clear that feather evolution remains a captivating subject. Observing how genetic factors influence this development offers both historical insights and potential implications for understanding other aspects of animal evolution.



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