Development and evolution of the neural crest: an overview.
The neural crest is a multipotent and migratory cell type that forms transiently in the developing vertebrate embryo. These cells emerge from the central nervous system, migrate extensively and give rise to diverse cell lineages including melanocytes, craniofacial cartilage and bone, peripheral and enteric neurons and glia, and smooth muscle. A vertebrate innovation, the gene regulatory network underlying neural crest formation appears to be highly conserved, even to the base of vertebrates. Here, we present an overview of important concepts in the neural crest field dating from its discovery 150 years ago to open questions that will motivate future research.
California Institute of Technology MC 139-74 Pasadena, CA 91125, USA. mebronner@gmail.com
Marianne E
ME
Bronner
Nicole M
NM
LeDouarin
D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000166:cytology; D002356:Cartilage / Q000166:cytology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D019070:Cell Lineage; D002465:Cell Movement; D058750:Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000166:cytology; D009432:Neural Crest / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D014714:Vertebrates