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Mathematical reaction-diffusion models have been suggested todescribe formation of animal pigmentation patterns and distributionof epidermal appendages. However, the crucial signals and invivo mechanisms are still elusive. Here we identify WNT andits inhibitor DKK as primary determinants of murine hair folliclespacing, using a combined experimental and computational modelingapproach. Transgenic DKK overexpression reduces overall appendagedensity. Moderate suppression of endogenous WNT signaling forcesfollicles to form clusters during an otherwise normal morphogeneticprogram. These results confirm predictions of a WNT/DKK-specificmathematical model and provide in vivo corroboration of thereaction-diffusion mechanism for epidermal appendage formation.
1 Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology, Stuebeweg 51, 79108 Freiburg, Germany. 2 Institut für Physik, Universität Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 3, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
* Present address: Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research,Basel, Switzerland.
To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: schlake{at}immunbio.mpg.de
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