Local embryonic matrices determine region-specific phenotypes in neural crest cells.
Membrane microcarriers were used to determine the ability of regional extracellular matrices to direct neural crest cell differentiation in culture. Neural crest cells from the axolotl embryo responded to extracellular matrix material explanted from the subepidermal migratory pathway by dispersing and by differentiating into pigment cells. In contrast, matrix material from the presumptive site of dorsal root ganglia stimulated pronounced cell-cell association and neurotypic expression. Cell line segregation during ontogeny of the neural crest that leads to diversification into pigment cells of the skin or into elements of the peripheral nervous system appears to be controlled in part by local cell-matrix interactions.
Perris
R
R
Department of Zoology, Uppsala University, Sweden.
von Boxberg
Y
Y
Löfberg
J
J
D000558:Ambystoma mexicanum / Q000196:embryology; D000818:Animals; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D002449:Cell Aggregation; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004817:Epidermis / Q000502:physiology; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology*; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000166:cytology; D009432:Neural Crest / Q000166:cytology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology; D010641:Phenotype; D010860:Pigments, Biological / Q000378:metabolism
D000954:Antigens, Surface; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D010860:Pigments, Biological