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Segmentation and the development of the vertebrate nervous system
Journal De Physiologie
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Neural crest cell migration in chick embryos is guided by inhibitory signals from posterior sclerotome cells. Peanut agglutinin receptors on posterior cells may inhibit nerve cell growth in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Neuroscience
- Embryology
Background:
- Peripheral nerve segmentation in chick embryos involves sclerotome subdivision.
- Neural crest cells and motor axons navigate specific sclerotome regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experiments on neural segmentation in chick embryos.
- To investigate molecular cues guiding nerve cell migration within the sclerotome.
- To explore the role of Peanut Agglutinin (PNA) in nerve development.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent experimental data on chick embryo development.
- Analysis of sclerotome molecular composition and its effect on nerve cells.
- In vitro studies using liposomes incorporating PNA to assess growth cone collapse.
Main Results:
- Certain known nerve growth molecules (laminin, fibronectin, N-CAM, N-Cadherin, J1/tenascin/cytotactin) do not appear critical for anterior sclerotome preference.
- Posterior sclerotome cells possess PNA-recognised surface components that inhibit sensory growth cones in vitro.
- Hindbrain segmentation shows parallels with insect pattern formation, with neurogenesis in alternate segments.
Conclusions:
- Inhibitory interactions with posterior sclerotome cells are crucial for guiding migrating neural crest cells and motor axons.
- PNA receptor(s) on posterior sclerotome cells may act as in vivo inhibitors of nerve cell growth.
- Early hindbrain segmentation patterns suggest conserved mechanisms in metazoan development.