Regulatory Logic Underlying Diversification of the Neural Crest

The neural crest is a transient, multipotent population of cells that arises at the border of the developing nervous system. After closure of the neural tube, these cells undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to delaminate and migrate, often to distant locations in the embryo. Neural crest cells give rise to a diverse array of derivatives including neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, melanocytes, and bone and cartilage of the face. A gene regulatory network (GRN) controls the specification, delamination, migration, and differentiation of this fascinating cell type. With increasing technological advances, direct linkages within the neural crest GRN are being uncovered. The underlying circuitry is useful for understanding important topics such as reprogramming, evolution, and disease. The neural crest gene regulatory network (GRN) provides a unique look at the regulatory hierarchies underlying multipotency and developmental events such as specification, delamination, migration, and differentiation into various derivatives. Interrogation of direct connections is now possible on a larger scale with a variety of new technological advances. Rewiring of GRN architecture has been shown to reprogram the trunk neural crest into a cranial identity, which delivers a powerful route for novel therapeutic approaches. GRNs provide a foundation for which to understand neurocristopathy onset. Regulatory changes within the neural crest GRN draw hypotheses concerning the evolution of morphological novelties such as jaws.