Control mechanism for biological pattern formation decoded  Dyed
skin sections from mice. The distribution of hairs and their
follicles in the skin changes depends on the WNT and DKK
proteins. Click here for more information.  How are simple
embryonic structures able to produce the varied and complex
manifestations of living nature" Scientists in Freiburg have now
identified proteins which regulate the pattern of hair formation
in mice. They have found that proteins produced by the skin,
WNTs, which are essential for the induction of hair follicles,
together with so-called DKK inhibitors control the spacing of
the follicles. Using a mathematical model based on protein
reactions and diffusions, researchers have been able to explain
the dynamics and parameters of hair formation and to provide for
the first time experimental confirmation of the Turing
hypothesis of biological pattern formation (Science Express, 2
November 2006).  As skin matures, a well-ordered sequence of
molecular processes leads to the creati