Migration and diversification of the vagal neural crest

• Published in: Developmental biology Vol. 444; no. Suppl 1; pp. S98 - S109
• Main Authors: Hutchins, Erica J., Kunttas, Ezgi, Piacentino, Michael L., Howard, Aubrey G.A., Bronner, Marianne E., Uribe, Rosa A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-12-2018
• Subjects: Animals; Biological Evolution; Body Patterning - physiology; Cardiac; Cell Differentiation - physiology; Cell Movement - physiology; Enteric Nervous System - embryology; Enteric Nervous System - physiology; Ganglia; Heart - embryology; Humans; Lung; Lung - embryology; Neural Crest - embryology; Neural Crest - metabolism; Neural Crest - physiology; Neural Tube; Neurogenesis; Pancreas; Pancreas - embryology; Thymus; Thymus Gland - embryology; Torso; Vagal neural crest; Vertebrates - embryology; Vagal neural crest; Pancreas; Lung; Cardiac; Thymus
• ISSN: 0012-1606; 1095-564X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.07.004

Arising within the neural tube between the cranial and trunk regions of the body axis, the vagal neural crest shares interesting similarities in its migratory routes and derivatives with other neural crest populations. However, the vagal neural crest is also unique in its ability to contribute to diverse organs including the heart and enteric nervous system. This review highlights the migratory routes of the vagal neural crest and compares them across multiple vertebrates. We also summarize recent advances in understanding vagal neural crest ontogeny and discuss the contribution of this important neural crest population to the cardiovascular system and endoderm-derived organs, including the thymus, lungs and pancreas.
•Vagal neural crest cells originate from somite levels 1–7 in most jawed vertebrates.•Vagal neural crest cells embark on diverse migratory routes.•Vagal neural crest form tissues of thymus, heart, and pancreatic and lung ganglia.