Abstract
SummaryThe neural crest is one of the embryonic structures with the broadest developmental potential in vertebrates. Morphologically, neural crest cells emerge during neurulation in the dorsal folds of the neural tube before undergoing an epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), delaminating from the neural tube, and migrating to multiple sites in the growing embryo. Neural crest cells generate cell types as diverse as peripheral neurons and glia, melanocytes, and so‐called mesectodermal derivatives that include craniofacial bone and cartilage and smooth muscle cells in cardiovascular structures. In mice, the fate of neural crest cells has been determined mainly by means of transgenesis and genome editing technologies. The most frequently used method relies on the Cre‐loxP system, in which expression of Cre‐recombinase in neural crest cells or their derivatives genetically enables the expression of a Cre‐reporter allele, thus permanently marking neural crest‐derived cells. Here, we provide an overview of the Cre‐driver lines used in the field and discuss to what extent these lines allow precise neural crest stage and lineage‐specific fate mapping.
Highlights
The neural crest is one of the embryonic structures with the broadest developmental potential in vertebrates
Neural crest cells emerge during neurulation in the dorsal folds of the neural tube before undergoing an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), delaminating from the neural tube, and migrating to multiple sites in the growing embryo
The most frequently used method relies on the Cre-loxP system, in which expression of Cre-recombinase in neural crest cells or their derivatives genetically enables the expression of a Cre-reporter allele, permanently marking neural crest-derived cells
Summary
The neural crest is one of the embryonic structures with the broadest developmental potential in vertebrates. A detailed comparison with Wnt1-Cre/R26R mice revealed very efficient labeling of neural crest derivatives by Ht-PA-Cre, including neuronal, glial, melanocytic, and mesenchymal cell populations during development and in adult structures (Pietri et al, 2003; Wong et al, 2006).
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