Quo vadis: tracing the fate of neural crest cells. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zurkirchen, Luis; Sommer, Lukas
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in neurobiology. Volume 47(2017)
• Page Start: 16
• Page End: 23
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Neurobiology -- Periodicals; 573.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2017.07.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-4388

Abstract

Highlights: Genetic tools allow single cell lineage-tracing at high resolution. Single cell lineage-tracing demonstrates multipotency of neural crest cells. Genetic lineage tracing continues to reveal novel neural crest derivatives in the body. Neural crest-derived cells appear to be involved in tissue regeneration. Abstract : The neural crest is a transient structure in vertebrate embryos that produces migratory cells with an astonishing developmental potential. While neural crest fate maps have originally been established through interspecies transplantation assays, dye labeling, and retroviral infection, more recent methods rely on approaches involving transgenesis and genome editing. These technologies allowed the identification of minor neural crest-derived cell populations in tissues of non-neural crest origin. Furthermore, in vivo multipotency at the single cell level and stage-dependent fate acquisitions were demonstrated using genetic technologies. Finally, recent reports indicate that neural crest-derived cells become activated in response to injury to secrete factors supporting tissue repair. Thus, neural crest-derived cells apparently contribute to tissue formation and regeneration by cell autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms.