Clone-forming ability and differentiation potential of migratory neural crest cells.
The neural crest of vertebrate embryos gives rise to a variety of differentiated cell types, including neuronal and non-neuronal cells of peripheral ganglia (sensory and autonomic), pigment cells, and mesectodermal derivatives. Neural crest cells were taken from quail embryos at the level encompassing mesencephalon and metencephalon and the developmental potentials were evaluated by culturing them as single cells on 3T3 feeder layers. Such conditions proved to be particularly favorable for survival, proliferation, and differentiation of quail neural crest cells. Two hundred and forty-three clones that contained from 1 to greater than 20,000 cells were analyzed after 7-10 days of culture. Phenotype analysis provided evidence for the existence of cells with extremely diverse developmental potencies. A few committed neuron progenitors were observed as well as some pluripotent cells, able to differentiate into several types of neurons, non-neuronal cells, and melanocytes, and many cells with intermediate developmental potencies. These cloning experiments revealed the striking heterogeneity of migrating neural crest cells in terms of their capacity for differentiation and their potential for proliferation.
Baroffio
A
A
Institut d'Embryologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Collège de France, Nogent-sur-Marne, France.
Dupin
E
E
Le Douarin
N M
NM
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002465:Cell Movement; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002999:Clone Cells / Q000166:cytology; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000166:cytology; D009432:Neural Crest / Q000166:cytology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology; D010641:Phenotype; D011784:Quail / Q000196:embryology*; D013373:Substance P / Q000032:analysis; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000032:analysis; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000032:analysis
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D013373:Substance P; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase