A dynamic code of dorsal neural tube genes regulates the segregation between neurogenic and melanogenic neural crest cells.

ABSTRACT: Understanding when and how multipotent progenitors segregate into diverse fates is a key question during embryonic development. The neural crest (NC) is an exemplary model system with which to investigate the dynamics of progenitor cell specification, as it generates a multitude of derivatives. Based on 'in ovo' lineage analysis, we previously suggested an early fate restriction of premigratory trunk NC to generate neural versus melanogenic fates, yet the timing of fate segregation and the underlying mechanisms remained unknown. Analysis of progenitors expressing a Foxd3 reporter reveals that prospective melanoblasts downregulate Foxd3 and have already segregated from neural lineages before emigration. When this downregulation is prevented, late-emigrating avian precursors fail to upregula

SUBMITTER: Nitzan E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3653553 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature