Mathematical modeling predicts novel mechanisms of stream confinement from Trail/Colec12/Dan in the collective migration of cranial neural crest cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In vertebrate embryogenesis, cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) migrate along discrete pathways. Analyses in the chick have identified key molecular candidates for the confinement of CNCC migration to stereotypical pathways as Colec12, Trail, and Dan. The effects of these factors on CNCCs in vitro are known, but how they confine migration to discrete streams in vivo remains poorly understood. Here, we propose and test several hypothetical mechanisms by which these factors confine cell streams and maintain coherent migration, simulating an expanded agent-based model for collective CNCC migration.

Results

Model simulations suggest that Trail enhances adhesion between CNCCs, facilitating movement towards stereotypical migratory pathways, whereas Colec12 confines CNCC

SUBMITTER: Johnson SWS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12862124 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature