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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
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Assessing Signaling Properties of Ectodermal Epithelia During Craniofacial Development
Published on: March 24, 2011
Patterning the cranial neural crest: hindbrain segmentation and Hox gene plasticity
1Division of Developmental Neurobiology, NIMR, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK. ptraino@nimr.mrc.ac.uk
Nature Reviews. Neuroscience
|March 17, 2001
Summary
Craniofacial development is not solely determined by pre-patterned neural crest cells. Recent findings reveal that plasticity in Hox gene expression highlights a more complex interplay of cellular and tissue interactions in head development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Craniofacial development
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Craniofacial anomalies are a significant cause of congenital defects.
- Classical models propose pre-patterned neural crest cells dictate craniofacial structures.
- Recent studies challenge this by observing plasticity in gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of neural crest cell patterning in craniofacial development.
- To understand the mechanisms regulating head formation.
- To re-evaluate classical models of craniofacial patterning.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Hox gene expression in embryonic hindbrain and cranial neural crest.
- Comparative studies in chick, mouse, and zebrafish models.
- Investigating cell and tissue interactions during development.
Main Results:
- Observed plasticity in Hox gene expression within the hindbrain and cranial neural crest.
- Demonstrated that craniofacial development is not solely dependent on pre-patterning.
- Identified a complex integration of cellular and tissue interactions.
Conclusions:
- Craniofacial development is regulated by dynamic processes, not fixed pre-patterning.
- Neural crest cell identity and function are more adaptable than previously thought.
- Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for addressing craniofacial anomalies.
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