Expression of Frizzled-4 Gene on Developing and Postnatal Anser anser and Anser cygnoides Feather Follicles

Background: Frizzled (FZD) family works with the ligand Wnt protein to mediate downstream signals in the Wnt signaling pathway, while playing a superior role in the body. Therefore, this study was carried out to detect the expression patterns of FZD4 at the gene and protein levels. Methods: 10 developing and postnatal geese dorsal skin of Anser anser (n=5) and Anser cygnoides (n=5). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting were used to detect relative expression levels of FZD4. Feather follicles membrane localization was examined using immunohistochemistry. Student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Result: The results revealed that the FZD4 was expressed differently at mRNA and protein levels at six stages. Furthermore, the positive expression sites of FZD4 protein were gradually transferred from dermal papilla; pulp; follicle wall and feather sheath. These results suggest that FZD4 is expressed in the growth and development of feather follicles for Anser anser and Anser cygnoides.