Cell lineage in the developing neural tube.
Acquisition of cell type specific properties in the spinal cord is a process of sequential restriction in developmental potential. A multipotent stem cell of the nervous system, the neuroepithelial cell, generates central nervous system and peripheral nervous system derivatives via the generation of intermediate lineage restricted precursors that differ from each other and from neuroepithelial cells. Intermediate lineage restricted neuronal and glial precursors termed neuronal restricted precursors and glial restricted precursors, respectively, have been identified. Differentiation is influenced by extrinsic environmental signals that are stage and cell type specific. Analysis in multiple species illustrates similarities between chick, rat, mouse, and human cell differentiation. The utility of obtaining these precursor cell types for gene discovery, drug screening, and therapeutic applications is discussed.
Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah Medical School, Salt Lake City 84132, USA.
A J
AJ
Kalyani
M S
MS
Rao
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D019070:Cell Lineage; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008954:Models, Biological; D009432:Neural Crest / Q000196:embryology*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000196:embryology*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology