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Multipotentiality of the neural crest.
Nicole M Le Douarin1, Elisabeth Dupin
1Laboratoire d'Embryologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, CNRS UMR 7128, 49bis, avenue de la Belle Gabrielle, 94736 Nogent-sur-Marne cedex, France. nicole.le-douarin@college-de-france.fr
Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|October 11, 2003
Summary
Neural crest cells in vertebrate embryos can become various cell types. These cells show plasticity, with potential to revert to stem cells and change fates, even after differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cell biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The vertebrate neural crest (NC) is a transient embryonic structure.
- NC cells give rise to diverse cell types, including neurons, glia, and pigment cells.
- Evidence suggests multipotent stem cells and precursors exist within NC populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the plasticity and differentiation potential of neural crest cells.
- To understand the regulatory mechanisms controlling NC cell fate commitment.
- To investigate the stability of differentiated NC cell fates.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent research on neural crest development.
- Analysis of studies on cytokines, regulatory genes, and cell-cell interactions.
- Examination of in vitro experiments on cell fate reversal and transdifferentiation.
Main Results:
- Multipotent stem cells and intermediate precursors are present in early and adult NC populations.
- Cytokines, regulatory genes, and cell interactions guide differentiation into pigment cells, glia, and neurons.
- Differentiated NC cells demonstrate instability, capable of reverting to precursors and transdifferentiating.
Conclusions:
- Neural crest cell fate is highly plastic and dynamic.
- Understanding NC cell plasticity is crucial for developmental biology and regenerative medicine.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms governing NC cell fate determination and stability.