Does the cranial mesenchyme contribute to neural fold elevation during neurulation?

Area of Science:

• Developmental biology
• Neuroscience
• Cell biology

Background:

• The central nervous system forms via neurulation, a process involving neural tube formation from the neural plate.
• Cranial neurulation involves complex cellular behaviors in neural tissue, epithelium, and mesenchyme.
• Cranial mesenchyme rearrangements are proposed to drive neural fold elevation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence implicating cranial mesenchyme in neural fold elevation.
• To assess the sufficiency of current data supporting the cranial mesenchyme's role in driving neural fold elevation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on neurulation and cranial mesenchyme.
• Analysis of inhibitor studies and retinoic acid teratogenicity.
• Examination of genetic studies, including mutations in genes like Twist.

Main Results:

• Inhibitor studies and retinoic acid treatments show inconclusive results due to effects on surrounding tissues.
• Genetic studies of cranial mesenchyme-specific genes (e.g., Twist) provide stronger evidence.
• Mutations in these genes lead to exencephaly and abnormal cranial mesenchyme organization.

Conclusions:

• The cranial mesenchyme plays a critical role in neural fold elevation during cranial neurulation.
• Further research is needed to definitively establish the cranial mesenchyme as the primary driving force.