Project description:Neural crest cells are multipotent embryonic progenitors that give rise to a large number of cell types in a vertebrate embryo, thus, sometimes being considered as a 4th germ layer. Neural crest cells originate within the dorsal neural tube at the time of its closure, delaminate and migrate to multiple destinations. The paths of fate selection and differentiation in the neural crest cells are not fully understood. The analysis of open chromatin regions at single cell level will help to clarify the genetic programs behind the development of a vagal neural crest stream.
Project description:Ectoderm-derived neural crest is a transient structure arising during early embryogenesis in vertebrates. Neural crest consists of four derivatives based on their anterior- to posterior location along the body axis; cranial, vagal, trunk and sacral, respectively. We recently showed that trunk neural crest-specific gene MOXD1 functions as a tumor suppressor in trunk neural crest-derived childhood cancer form neuroblastoma and is essential for proper development of healthy adrenal glands. However, the role of MOXD1 during early embryogenesis is not known. Here, we conditionally knocked out MOXD1 in trunk neural crest cells before they become lineage-committed, using a CRISPR/Cas9 approach in chick embryos. Assessment of embryo growth showed that knockout of MOXD1 delayed development with knockout embryos being smaller. RNA sequencing of trunk-derived neural crest cells from control and knockout embryos showed enrichment of genes connected to gland development, copper ion metabolism and neuroblastoma progression. In conclusion, MOXD1 is important during early and prolonged embryonic development with effects on gland formation, possibly mediated via its role in copper metabolism.
Project description:Neural crest cells migrate extensively in vertebrate embryos to populate diverse derivatives including ganglia of the peripheral nervous system. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms that tell migrating trunk neural crest cells to settle at selected sites in the embryo by ceasing migration and initiating differentiation programs.
Project description:The cranial neural crest (CNC) is a vertebrate-specific population that generates a huge diversity of derivatives, including the bulk of the connective and skeletal tissues of the head. How neural crest cells generate the appropriate cell types for distinct head regions over time remains unresolved. Here we profile RNA expression (scRNAseq) and chromatin accessibility (snATACseq) of the zebrafish cranial neural crest lineage at single-cell resolution from embryos to adults.
Project description:Neural cest cells are a transient stem cell-like population appearing during vertebrate embryonic development. Generation of the cranial neural crest is known to require a balanced combination of FGF and BMP levels. However, it is poorly understood how the functions of such growth factors are controlled in the extracellular spaces. Here we identifiy the extracelluar matrix protein anosmin (Gga.14976.1.S1_at, clone ChEST132d10) as a novel molecule synthesized locally in the cranial neural crest of chicken embryos. Cranial neural folds (NF) and ventral neural plates (NP) were dissected from Hamburger & Hamilton stage 8 (HH8) embryos (80 to 14 embryos, n=4), and total RNA was analyzed using a GeneChip chicken genome arrays (Affymetrix)
Project description:The neural crest is a highly plastic stem cell population that represents a notable exception to the germ layer theory. Despite being of ectodermal origin, these cells can differentiate into skeletal derivatives like cartilage and bone, tissues that are typically formed by mesoderm. The inductive program that endows the neural crest with these unique properties is still poorly understood. Here, we report that Smad2/3-mediated TGFβ signaling endows cranial neural crest cells with enhanced developmental potential. Our results show that TGFβ signaling modulates neural crest axial identity and directly activates the gene circuits that support skeletal differentiation. Cooperation between TGFβ and low levels of WNT-signaling in the embryonic head activates cranial-specific cis-regulatory elements of anterior genes. Activation of the TGFβ pathway allowed reprogramming of trunk neural crest cells to adopt an anterior identity and led to the development of an improved protocol for the generation of human cranial neural crest cells. Our findings indicate TGFβ signaling is required for the specification of cranial neural crest cells, endowing them with the potential to give rise to the craniofacial skeleton.
Project description:Background: The goal of this study was to determine the transcriptional consequences of norepinephrine transporter (NET) gene deletion in noradrenergic neuron differentiation. The norepinephrine transporter (NET) is the target of powerful mind-altering substances, such as tricyclic antidepressants and the drug of abuse, cocaine. NET function in adult noradrenergic neurons of the peripheral and central nervous systems is that of a scavenger that internalizes norepinephrine from the synaptic cleft. By contrast, norepinephrine (NE) transport has a different role in embryogenesis. It promotes differentiation of neural crest cells and locus ceruleus progenitors into noradrenergic neurons, whereas NET inhibitors, such as the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine and the drug of abuse, cocaine, inhibit noradrenergic differentiation. While NET structure und regulation of NET function is well described, little is known about downstream targets of NE transport. Results: We have determined by long serial analysis of gene expression (LongSAGE) the gene expression profiles of in vitro differentiating wild type and norepinephrine transporter-deficient (NETKO) neural crest derivatives. Comparison analyses with the wild type library (GSM 105765) have identified a number of important differentially expressed genes, including genes relevant to noradrenergic neuron differentiation and to the phenotype of NETKO mice. Furthermore we have identified novel differentially expressed genes. Conclusions: Loss of NET function during embryonic development deregulates signaling pathways that are critically involved in neural crest formation and noradrenergic neuron differentiation. The library was constructed from total RNA of 60 neural crest culture at culture day 7. The neural tubes were dissected from E9.5 embryos that lack the norepinephrine transporter gene.
Project description:During development, neural crest cells are induced by signaling events at the neural plate border of all vertebrate embryos. Initially arising within the central nervous system, NC cells subsequently undergo an epithelial to mesenchymal transition to migrate into the periphery, where they differentiate into diverse cell types. Here we provide evidence that postnatal human epidermal keratinocytes, in response to FGF2 and IGF1 signals, can be reprogrammed toward a neural crest fate. Genome-wide transcriptome analyses show that keratinocyte-derived NC cells are similar to those derived from human embryonic stem cells. Moreover, they give rise in vitro and in vivo to neural crest derivatives such as peripheral neurons, melanocytes, Schwann cells and mesenchymal cells (osteocytes, chondrocytes, adipocytes and smooth muscle). By demonstrating that human KRT14+ keratinocytes can form neural crest cells, even from clones of single cells, our results have important implications in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
Project description:Neural cest cells are a transient stem cell-like population appearing during vertebrate embryonic development. Generation of the cranial neural crest is known to require a balanced combination of FGF and BMP levels. However, it is poorly understood how the functions of such growth factors are controlled in the extracellular spaces. Anosmin is an extracellular matrix protein implicated in FGF signaling and mutated in Kallmann syndrome. Here, we demonstrate that anosmin (Gga.14976.1.S1_at, clone ChEST132d10) is synthesized locally in the cranial neural crest of chicken embryos and is essential for cranial neural crest formation. Anosmin upregulates FGF8 and BMP5 gene expression; it also enhances FGF8 activity while inhibiting BMP5 and WNT3a signaling. Taken together, our data establish that the matrix protein anosmin is required for cranial neural crest formation, with funtional modulation of FGF, BMP, and WNT.