Pattern Formation: The Differentiation of Pigment Cells from the Embryonic Neural Crest

Abstract

This chapter illustrates the usefulness of the amphibian neural crest and pigment cells for studying vertebrate pattern formation. The fact that perturbation of pigment cell metabolism, substances intrinsic to the skin, lectins, and disruption of the extracellular matrix (ECM) can all influence pigment patterns (i.e., pigment cell migration and/or differentiation) provides researchers with ample opportunities for experimentation. From the point of origin atop the neural tube, neural crest cells migrate to seemingly precise positions within an embryo and then differentiate to form a wide variety of cell types and structures, among which are included sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons, craniofacial structures, endocrine and paracrine cells, and pigment cells. The accessibility of the neural crest and the relative ease of manipulating these cells without causing lethal damage to the embryo contribute to the popularity of amphibian embryos as a model experimental system for studying both migration and differentiation of crest cells.