Neural Crest—An Unusual Population of Embryonic Cells

Resumo

The neural crest (NC) in embryos of vertebrates represents a cell population formed at the border of the neural plate. These cells retain pluripotency, express a set of specific markers, and become multipotent upon their migration away from the neural tube to give rise to numerous derivatives. The genes specific for vertebrate NC appeared in evolution long before vertebrates. Abnormal development of NC cells causes numerous pathologies in humans.