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AKT signaling displays multifaceted functions in neural crest development
Méghane Sittewelle1, Anne H Monsoro-Burq2
1Univ. Paris Sud, Université Paris Saclay, CNRS UMR 3347, INSERM U1021, Centre Universitaire, 15, rue Georges Clémenceau, F-91405 Orsay, France; Institut Curie Research Division, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3347, INSERM U1021, F-91405 Orsay, France.
Abstract:
AKT signaling is an essential intracellular pathway controlling cell homeostasis, cell proliferation and survival, as well as cell migration and differentiation in adults. Alterations impacting the AKT pathway are involved in many pathological conditions in human disease. Similarly, during development, multiple transmembrane molecules, such as FGF receptors, PDGF receptors or integrins, activate AKT to control embryonic cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and also cell fate decisions. While many studies in mouse embryos have clearly implicated AKT signaling in the differentiation of several neural crest derivatives, information on AKT functions during the earliest steps of neural crest development had remained relatively scarce until recently. However, recent studies on known and novel regulators of AKT signaling demonstrate that this pathway plays critical roles throughout the development of neural crest progenitors. Non-mammalian models such as fish and frog embryos have been instrumental to our understanding of AKT functions in neural crest development, both in neural crest progenitors and in the neighboring tissues. This review combines current knowledge acquired from all these different vertebrate animal models to describe the various roles of AKT signaling related to neural crest development in vivo. We first describe the importance of AKT signaling in patterning the tissues involved in neural crest induction, namely the dorsal mesoderm and the ectoderm. We then focus on AKT signaling functions in neural crest migration and differentiation.
Insights
AKT signaling is crucial for neural crest development, controlling cell fate, migration, and differentiation. This review synthesizes findings from vertebrate models to detail AKT
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- The AKT signaling pathway regulates fundamental cellular processes including homeostasis, proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation.
- Dysregulation of AKT signaling is implicated in numerous human diseases.
- While AKT's role in adult cell functions is well-established, its precise functions in embryonic development, particularly neural crest development, are increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current knowledge on the roles of AKT signaling in vertebrate neural crest development.
- To highlight the importance of AKT signaling in neural crest progenitor development, migration, and differentiation.
- To integrate findings from various animal models, including mouse, fish, and frog embryos.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on AKT signaling in neural crest development across different vertebrate models.
- Analysis of research focusing on AKT's role in neural crest induction, migration, and differentiation.
- Integration of data from both mammalian (mouse) and non-mammalian (fish, frog) embryonic systems.
Main Results:
- AKT signaling is essential for patterning tissues involved in neural crest induction, specifically the dorsal mesoderm and ectoderm.
- Recent studies reveal critical roles for AKT signaling throughout the development of neural crest progenitors.
- AKT pathway activation by transmembrane molecules controls embryonic cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and fate decisions.
Conclusions:
- AKT signaling is a vital pathway orchestrating multiple stages of neural crest development in vivo.
- Non-mammalian models have significantly contributed to understanding AKT's functions in neural crest progenitors and surrounding tissues.
- Further research integrating data from diverse vertebrate models provides a comprehensive view of AKT's multifaceted roles in neural crest biology.
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