Neural crest
(Redirected from Neural crest cells)
Neural Crest[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD