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Title: Time to go: neural crest cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
ABSTRACT Neural crest cells (NCCs) are a dynamic, multipotent, vertebrate-specific population of embryonic stem cells. These ectodermally-derived cells contribute to diverse tissue types in developing embryos including craniofacial bone and cartilage, the peripheral and enteric nervous systems and pigment cells, among a host of other cell types. Due to their contribution to a significant number of adult tissue types, the mechanisms that drive their formation, migration and differentiation are highly studied. NCCs have a unique ability to transition from tightly adherent epithelial cells to mesenchymal and migratory cells by altering their polarity, expression of cell-cell adhesion molecules and gaining invasive abilities. In this Review, we discuss classical and emerging factors driving NCC epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and migration, highlighting the role of signaling and transcription factors, as well as novel modifying factors including chromatin remodelers, small RNAs and post-translational regulators, which control the availability and longevity of major NCC players.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2143217
PAR ID:
10358359
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Development
Volume:
149
Issue:
15
ISSN:
0950-1991
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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