Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Laser-inflicted Injury of Zebrafish Embryonic Skeletal Muscle
Published on: January 30, 2013
Schwann cell precursors contribute to skeletal formation during embryonic development in mice and zebrafish
Meng Xie1, Dmitrii Kamenev2, Marketa Kaucka1,3
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Solna, Sweden.
Abstract:
Immature multipotent embryonic peripheral glial cells, the Schwann cell precursors (SCPs), differentiate into melanocytes, parasympathetic neurons, chromaffin cells, and dental mesenchymal populations. Here, genetic lineage tracing revealed that, during murine embryonic development, some SCPs detach from nerve fibers to become mesenchymal cells, which differentiate further into chondrocytes and mature osteocytes. This occurred only during embryonic development, producing numerous craniofacial and trunk skeletal elements, without contributing to development of the appendicular skeleton. Formation of chondrocytes from SCPs also occurred in zebrafish, indicating evolutionary conservation. Our findings reveal multipotency of SCPs, providing a developmental link between the nervous system and skeleton.
Related Concept Videos
Zygotic Development And Stem Cell Formation
Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic Stem Cells
ES cells are grown in a culture medium where they can divide indefinitely, creating ES cell lines. Under certain conditions, ES cells can differentiate, either spontaneously into a variety of...
Binet's Contribution to Measures of Intelligence
Seed Structure and Early Development of the Sporophyte
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...

