The many faces of Sox2 function in neural crest development

Area of Science:

• Developmental biology
• Stem cell biology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Neural crest (NC) cells are multipotent cells that form diverse cell types, including peripheral neurons and glia.
• Sox2 is a transcription factor crucial for pluripotency and central nervous system development.
• Sox2 is recognized as a key regulator in NC development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the established inhibitory functions of Sox2 in NC formation and neuronal differentiation.
• To explore emerging evidence on Sox2's multifaceted roles in early NC development, neurogenesis, and glial differentiation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on Sox2 and neural crest development.
• Synthesis of findings on Sox2's roles in NC cell fate determination.
• Analysis of recent research on Sox2's involvement in neurogenesis and gliogenesis.

Main Results:

• Sox2 primarily acts to inhibit NC formation and the differentiation of NC-derived neurons.
• Emerging data indicate Sox2 also plays roles in the initial stages of NC development.
• Sox2 influences both neurogenesis and glial differentiation from NC-derived cells.

Conclusions:

• Sox2 exhibits complex regulatory functions in neural crest development, extending beyond inhibition.
• Understanding Sox2's dual roles is critical for comprehending peripheral nervous system development.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate Sox2's precise mechanisms in NC cell fate decisions.