The ciliary baton: Orchestrating neural crest cell development

Ching Fang Chang, Elizabeth N. Schock, Aria C. Attia, Rolf W. Stottmann, Samantha A. Brugmann

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Primary cilia are cell surface, microtubule-based organelles that dynamically extend from cells to receive and process molecular and mechanical signaling cues. In the last decade, this organelle has gained increasing popularity due to its ability to act as a cellular antenna, receive molecular stimuli, and respond to the cell's environment. A growing field of data suggests that various tissues utilize and interpret the loss of cilia in different ways. Thus, careful examination of the role of cilia on individual cell types and tissues is necessary. Neural crest cells (NCCs) are an excellent example of cells that survey their environment for developmental cues. In this review, we discuss how NCCs utilize primary cilia during their ontogenic development, paying special attention to the role primary cilia play in processing developmental signals required for NCC specification, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. We also discuss how the loss of functional cilia on cranial and trunk NCCs affects the development of various organ systems to which they contribute. A deeper understanding of ciliary function could contribute greatly to understanding the molecular mechanisms guiding NCC development and differentiation. Furthermore, superimposing the ciliary contribution on our current understanding of NCC development identifies new avenues for therapeutic intervention in neurocristopathies.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCurrent Topics in Developmental Biology
Pages97-134
Number of pages38
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015

Publication series

NameCurrent Topics in Developmental Biology
Volume111
ISSN (Print)0070-2153

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Elsevier Inc.

Keywords

  • Ciliopathies
  • Craniofacial
  • Neural crest
  • Primary cilia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

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