PDGF function in diverse neural crest cell populations

Activation of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors causes context-dependent cellular responses, including proliferation and migration, and studies in model organisms have demonstrated that this receptor family (PDGFRα and PDGFRβ) is required in many mesenchymal and migratory cell populations during embryonic development. One of these migratory cell populations is the neural crest, which forms cranial bone and mesenchyme, sympathetic neurons and ganglia, melanocytes, and smooth muscle. Mice with disruption of PDGF signaling exhibit defects in some of these neural crest derivatives including the palate, aortic arch, salivary gland, and thymus. Although many of these neural crest defects were identified many years ago, the mechanism of action of PDGF in neural crest remains controversial. In this review, we examine the current knowledge of PDGF function during neural crest cell (NCC) development, focusing on its role in the formation of different neural crest-derived tissues and the implications for PDGF receptors in NCC-related human birth defects.