neural crest cell

neural crest cell

Neural crest cells are a group of transient and highly migratory cells that originate from the neuroectoderm during the early stages of embryonic development. They are multipotent cells with an exceptional degree of plasticity, capable of differentiating into various somatic cell types and therefore play a fundamental role in the formation of various organs and tissues, making them critical contributors to the developing embryo. After the initiation of neurulation (the formation of the neural tube) neural crest cells start to undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and delaminate and migrate from the dorsal neural tube to several regions throughout the embryo. They differentiate into a range of diverse cell types, such as neurons and glial cells of the peripheral nervous system, including sensory and autonomic neurons. They also contribute to the formation of adrenal glands, pigment cells in the skin (melanocytes), cardiac structures, including parts of the heart septum and major arteries, as well as bones and cartilage of the face and skull. Disorders or aberrations in the development or migration of the neural crest cells can lead to serious congenital malformations, such as neurocristopathies, including Hirschsprung disease, neuroblastoma, and neurofibromatosis. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.)

CL:0011012