From neural crest migration to the onset of gangliogenesis

The neural crest is a highly migratory and multipotent cell population that contributes to many defining features of vertebrates. As a uniquely vertebrate cell type, the neural crest is an excellent model for studying cell lineage and diversification during embryonic development because of its multipotency, motility, and capacity to form a plethora of derivatives. Neural crest cells migrate extensively throughout the body and contribute to many of the defining features of vertebrate embryos, including the craniofacial skeleton, most of the peripheral nervous system and pigmentation of the skin. What guides their migration and subsequent formation of discrete structures? Interactions between neural crest cells and their environment, including other cell types like placode cells, play a major role in guiding their migration and condensation into numerous derivatives. In this review, we discuss aspects of neural crest induction, migration and axial level differences, highlighting what is currently known regarding molecular cues that govern their formation, migratory behavior, and differentiation as they reach their final destinations. We particularly focus on formation of cranial sensory ganglia. New technologies are playing an important role in furthering our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neural crest migration and what leads to cessation of their movement and onset of differentiation.