Neural crest

Neural Crest

Embryonic development of the central nervous system

The neural crest is a transient, multipotent, migratory cell population unique to vertebrates that gives rise to a diverse cell lineage—including melanocytes, craniofacial cartilage and bone, smooth muscle, peripheral and enteric neurons and glia. The neural crest cells originate from the ectoderm during the early stages of embryonic development.

Development

The formation of the neural crest begins during the process of neurulation, when the neural plate folds to form the neural tube. The neural crest cells are initially located at the border of the neural plate and the non-neural ectoderm. As the neural tube closes, these cells undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, delaminate from the neural tube, and migrate to various parts of the embryo.

Neural crest cell delamination

Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition

During the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, neural crest cells lose their cell-cell adhesion properties and gain migratory capabilities. This transition is regulated by a complex network of signaling pathways and transcription factors, including Wnt, BMP, and Notch signaling.

Migration

Migration of neural crest cells

After delamination, neural crest cells migrate along defined pathways to reach their target destinations. The migration is guided by a combination of attractive and repulsive cues in the extracellular environment. Neural crest cells can migrate over long distances and contribute to the formation of various tissues and organs.

Derivatives

Neural crest cells differentiate into a wide variety of cell types, which can be broadly categorized into four main groups:

• Cranial neural crest: These cells contribute to the formation of craniofacial cartilage and bone, cranial neurons, glia, and connective tissue.
• Cardiac neural crest: These cells are involved in the development of the heart, particularly the septum that separates the pulmonary artery and aorta.
• Trunk neural crest: These cells give rise to melanocytes, dorsal root ganglia, sympathetic ganglia, and adrenal medulla.
• Vagal and sacral neural crest: These cells contribute to the enteric nervous system, which controls the function of the gastrointestinal tract.

Gene Regulatory Network

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Gene regulatory network of neural crest

The development and differentiation of neural crest cells are controlled by a complex gene regulatory network. This network involves the interaction of multiple transcription factors and signaling pathways that regulate the expression of genes necessary for neural crest specification, migration, and differentiation.

Clinical Significance

Defects in neural crest development can lead to a variety of congenital disorders, collectively known as neurocristopathies. These include conditions such as Hirschsprung's disease, DiGeorge syndrome, and Waardenburg syndrome. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neural crest development is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies for these disorders.

Related Pages

• Neurulation
• Ectoderm
• Embryonic development
• Neural tube
• Neurocristopathy