RNA-seq data for embryonic chicken wings series treated with sonidegib

The morphological intricacies of avian feathers make them an ideal model
for investigating embryonic patterning and morphogenesis. In particular,
the sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway is an important mediator of feather
outgrowth and branching. However, functional in-vivo evidence regarding
its role during feather development remains limited. Here, we demonstrate
that an intravenous injection of sonidegib, a potent Shh pathway
inhibitor, at embryonic day 9 (E9) temporarily produces striped domains
(instead of spots) of Shh expression in the skin, arrests morphogenesis,
and results in unbranched and non-invaginated feather buds — akin to
proto-feathers — in embryos until E14. Although feather morphogenesis
partially recovers, hatched treated chickens exhibit naked skin regions
with perturbed follicles. Remarkably, these follicles are subsequently
reactivated by seven weeks post-hatching. Our RNA-sequencing data and
rescue experiment using Shh-agonism confirm that sonidegib specifically
down-regulates Shh pathway activity. Overall, we provide functional
evidence for the role of the Shh pathway in mediating feather
morphogenesis and confirm its role in the evolutionary emergence and
diversification of feathers.