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The neural crest is a multipotent embryonic cell population that migrates throughout the embryo and differentiates into a variety of derivatives. Formation of neural crest begins at gastrulation and continues throughout neurulation. Bona fide neural crest cells then emerge from the neural tube after its closure and commence migration to many, destinations. During early induction stages, the cells of the neural plate border are exposed to different environment signals originated from the adjacent tissues. Such signals are responsible for the activation of a gene regulatory network that controls neural crest formation. This regulatory network comprises transcription factors and signaling molecules arranged hierarchically and acts to endow these cells with the ability to delaminate, migrate, and differentiate. This chapter is an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying neural crest induction, specification, and migration. |
