Mechanisms of Neural Crest Migration
1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom;
Annual Review of Genetics
|November 27, 2018
Summary
Neural crest cells are transient embryonic cells that collectively migrate and differentiate. This review explores the signals and mechanisms guiding their complex journey and collective migration behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Embryology
Background:
- Neural crest cells are a transient embryonic population.
- They contribute diverse cell types to multiple organs.
- Their collective migration is crucial for embryonic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the interactions and mechanisms governing neural crest cell migration.
- To highlight the role of environmental and population-based signals.
- To discuss chemotactic cues in neural crest navigation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of neural crest cell migration.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involved in collective cell migration.
- Examination of migratory behaviors in different embryonic regions.
Main Results:
- Neural crest cells undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition for migration.
- They exhibit diverse migratory patterns (e.g., sheet-like, chain migration).
- Environmental and intrinsic signals direct collective navigation.
Conclusions:
- Neural crest cell migration is a complex, regulated process.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to developmental biology.
- Chemotactic cues play a significant role in guiding neural crest paths.
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