Neural crest cells and their potential therapeutic applications

Neural crest (NC) is a population of cells, formed at the intersection between non-neural ectoderm and neural tube. Neural crest progenitors are multipotent, have capacity to extensive migration and self-renewal. They can be differentiated into various cells types from craniofacial skeletal tissues to components of peripheral nervous system. Influence of signaling molecules and transcription factors, which are expressed at the different stages regulate development of NC. The regulatory network of genes determines the processes of induction, specification, migration and differentiation of neural crest cells (NCC). The purpose of this article is to compare the characteristics of NCC, obtained from tissues of the embryo, fetus and adult; experimental strategies for obtaining NCC from embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, skin fibroblasts; comparison of the potential of different cell types for therapeutic use in a clinical setting. Embryonic stem NCC are differentiated to the trunk, cranial, cardiac, circumpharyngeal and vagal according to the area of their initial migration. Mature stem NCC can be obtained from the dorsal root ganglia, red bone marrow, hair follicle, skin, intestines, carotid body, heart, cornea, iris, dental pulp, hard palate and oral mucosa. Genetic mutations may lead to failure of regulation of NC development, which leads to many congenital human diseases such as cardiovascular defects, craniofacial abnormalities and intestinal aganglionosis, collectively known as neurocristopathies. The identification and isolation of multipotent stem NCC derived from adult tissues, embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells are promising source for regenerative medicine.