Embryonic Development of Schwann Cells: Multiple Roles for Neuregulins along the Pathway
During the past few years important advances have been realized in the understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms operating in the differentiation of Schwann cells from neural crest cells. In particular the development of in vitro culture systems has allowed the analysis of commitment to the Schwann cell lineage, identification of an intermediate between the neural crest cell and the Schwann cell, and initial analysis of the factors controlling determination and differentiation processes. These studies point in particular to major roles for neuregulins which appear to be involved in the control of cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as of gene expression at different levels of the pathway.
Topilko
P
Unite 368 de l'Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, Ecole Normale Superieure, 46 rue d'Ulm, Paris Cedex 05, 75230, France
Murphy
P
Charnay
P