How feathers develop in chickens (IMAGE)

PLOS

How feathers develop in chickens

Caption

Alteration of the expression of the co-called 'Sonic Hedgehog' gene can transform feet scale and wing feathers. While a transient over-expression of the gene can permanently turn feet scales into feathers, it is much harder to disrupt feather development itself. The network of interacting genes determining feathers is very robust, ensuring their proper development even under substantial genetic or environmental perturbations.

Credit

Fabrice Berger & Michel Milinkovitch 2025 (CC-BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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Credit must be given to the creator.

License

CC BY

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