Neural crest cells: bridging embryology and regenerative medicine

Neural crest cells are an embryonic stem cell population unique to vertebrates. Neural crest cells, which arise from the embryonic ectoderm germ layer, are thought to give rise to neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, as well as melanocytes throughout the body. In addition, neural crest cells give rise to many ectomesenchymal derivatives in the head, including cells typically derived from the mesoderm (cartilage, bone, and adipose tissue). Neural crest cells are a group of multipotent and migratory cells found throughout the developing embryo. These cells migrate to many different locations and form different contributing tissues. Defects in the development, differentiation and migration of neural crest cells cause a variety of syndromes and diseases known as neurocristopathies. Currently, instrumental techniques for modeling neurocristopathies (disorders associated with neural crest) using induced stem cells are the subject of ongoing research. This method is a technique of cell therapy, which is highly effective in the treatment of various diseases. Neural crest cells are also used in the field of regenerative medicine, which is currently being widely studied.