Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
12:17
Analysis of Trunk Neural Crest Cell Migration using a Modified Zigmond Chamber Assay
Published on: January 19, 2012
Vagal neural crest cell migratory behavior: a transition between the cranial and trunk crest
Bryan R Kuo1, Carol A Erickson
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California, USA.
Summary
Vagal neural crest cells show developmental bias but possess plasticity. Their migration patterns suggest a transitional role between cranial and trunk neural crest development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Neuroscience
- Cell biology
Background:
- Cranial neural crest cell migration relies on environmental cues.
- Trunk neural crest cell pathfinding is determined by early cell-autonomous specification.
- Vagal neural crest cells represent a unique developmental population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the migration and patterning of vagal neural crest cells.
- To determine the influence of prior specification versus environmental cues on vagal neural crest cell behavior.
- To understand the transitional nature of vagal neural crest cells.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of vagal neural crest cell migration and pathway selection.
- Experimental manipulation of migratory environments for anterior and posterior vagal neural crest cells.
- Comparative study of cell behavior based on developmental origin.
Main Results:
- Vagal neural crest cells exhibit developmental bias, choosing distinct paths to the heart and gut.
- Anterior vagal neural crest cells display significant migratory plasticity.
- Posterior vagal neural crest cells show more restricted migratory behavior.
- Prior specification influences initial pathway choice.
Conclusions:
- Vagal neural crest cells are a transitional population bridging cranial and trunk development.
- The balance between cell-autonomous factors and environmental cues shapes vagal neural crest migration.
- Understanding vagal neural crest plasticity is key to comprehending neural crest evolution.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:51Determination
During embryogenesis, cells become progressively committed to different fates through a two-step process: specification followed by determination. Specification is demonstrated by removing a segment of an early embryo, “neutrally” culturing the tissue in vitro—for example, in a petri dish with simple medium—and then observing the derivatives. If the cultured region gives rise to cell types that it would normally generate in the embryo, this means that it is specified. In contrast, determination...
01:09Cell Migration
Cell migration, the process by which cells move from one location to another, is essential for the proper development and viability of organisms throughout their life. When cells are not able to migrate properly to their ordained locations, various disorders may occur. For example, disruption in cell migration causes chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
01:19Cell Migration
Cell migration is a process by which the cells move from one location to another, playing an essential role in embryological development, repair and regeneration, immune response, and metastasis. Cells migrate in response to chemical or mechanical signals generated by specific organs or tissues. The overall mechanism includes three steps - polarization, protrusion, and release. Polarization involves the formation of a distinct cell front and rear, which determines the direction of movement.
01:56Gastrulation
Gastrulation establishes the three primary tissues of an embryo: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. This developmental process relies on a series of intricate cellular movements, which in humans transforms a flat, “bilaminar disc” composed of two cell sheets into a three-tiered structure. In the resulting embryo, the endoderm serves as the bottom layer, and stacked directly above it is the intermediate mesoderm, and then the uppermost ectoderm. Respectively, these tissue strata will form...
01:30Neurulation
Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...
01:32Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration
A migrating cell changes its shape during the cyclic events of attachment and detachment from the substratum and repositions the cell organelles correspondingly. These complex events are orchestrated by the dynamic cytoskeletal network comprising actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Cytoskeletal crosstalk — the direct and indirect communication between the different components — is crucial for this coordination. Direct communication involves various linker proteins that...