Cell movements and control of patterned tissue assembly during craniofacial development.

Area of Science:

• Developmental biology
• Cell biology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Craniofacial mesenchyme is a heterogeneous cell population with diverse origins and fates.
• Recent discoveries reveal complex migratory behaviors of these mesenchymal subpopulations.
• A comprehensive understanding of craniofacial development requires reappraising how these cells assemble into tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the diverse migratory behaviors of craniofacial mesenchymal subpopulations.
• To define the interactions necessary for their assembly into tissues.
• To discuss these data in the context of molecular mechanisms in craniofacial development.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on craniofacial development.
• Analysis of cell migration patterns using antibody labeling of neural crest cells.
• Examination of myoblast and angioblast precursor behaviors within mesodermal tissues.

Main Results:

• Neural crest cell migration pathways in murine embryos are similar to those in avian transplantation experiments.
• Myoblasts from paraxial/prechordal mesoderm migrate en masse to form craniofacial muscles; alignment is influenced by local mesenchyme.
• Endothelial precursors (angioblasts) exhibit invasive migration, with blood vessel patterns determined by local mesenchyme.

Conclusions:

• Craniofacial mesenchymal cell migration is diverse and crucial for tissue formation.
• Local connective tissue-forming mesenchyme plays a significant role in patterning muscle and blood vessel development.
• Neural crest cells acquire regional identity influencing their contribution to craniofacial structures.