Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Analysis of Neural Crest Migration and Differentiation by Cross-species Transplantation
Published on: February 7, 2012
Role of morphogens in neural crest cell determination
Natalie C Jones1, Paul A Trainor
1Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64110, USA.
Abstract:
The neural crest is a transient, migratory cell population found in all vertebrate embryos that generate a diverse range of cell and tissue derivatives including, but not limited, to the neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, smooth muscle, connective tissue, melanocytes, craniofacial cartilage, and bone. Over the past few years, many studies have provided tremendous insights into understanding the mechanisms regulating the induction and migration of neural crest cell development. This review highlights the surprising and perhaps unexpected roles for morphogens in these distinct processes. A comparison of studies performed in several different vertebrates emphasizes the requirement for coordination between multiple signaling pathways in the induction and migration of neural crest cells in the developing embryo.
Related Concept Videos
Determination
Neurulation
Morphogenesis
Gastrulation
Notch Signaling Pathway
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...

