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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
09:03
Analysis of Neural Crest Migration and Differentiation by Cross-species Transplantation
Published on: February 7, 2012
Division of labor during trunk neural crest development
Laura S Gammill1, Julaine Roffers-Agarwal
1Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. gammi001@umn.edu
Developmental Biology
|April 20, 2010
Summary
Neural crest cells form the peripheral nervous system. This review details the molecular signals guiding their migration and segmental development in the trunk, comparing cranial and trunk pathways.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Neuroscience
- Cell biology
Background:
- Neural crest cells are crucial migratory precursors for the vertebrate peripheral nervous system.
- Their migratory pathways in the trunk are known, but the guiding signals are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular cascade of trunk neural crest development.
- To examine guidance cues patterning neural crest migration routes.
- To compare cranial and trunk neural crest development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of trunk neural crest development.
- Analysis of molecular signaling pathways.
- Comparative study of chick and mouse models.
Main Results:
- Sequential routes of trunk neural crest cells are described.
- Guidance cues influencing neural crest trajectories are identified.
- Segmental development and metameric peripheral nervous system formation are detailed.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of trunk neural crest development is emerging.
- Key molecular events and guidance cues orchestrate neural crest migration.
- Comparing cranial and trunk development reveals common themes in vertebrate development.
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