The cells that fill the bill: neural crest and the evolution of craniofacial development

Avian embryos, which have been studied scientifically since Aristotle, continue to persevere as invaluable research tools, especially for our understanding of the development and evolution of the craniofacial skeleton. Whether the topic is beak shape in Darwin's finches or signaling interactions that underlie bone and tooth formation, birds offer advantages for craniofacial biology that uniquely complement the strengths of other vertebrate model systems, such as fish, frogs, and mice. Several papers published during the past few years have helped pinpoint molecular and cellular mechanisms that pattern the face and jaws through experiments that could only have been done together with our feathered friends. Ultimately, such knowledge will be essential for devising novel clinical approaches to treat and/or prevent diseases, injuries, and birth defects that affect the human craniofacial skeleton. Here we review recent insights plucked from avians on key developmental processes that generate craniofacial diversity.