Neural Crest Cells and EMT Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of BMP factors in the development of neural crest cells?

  • They promote epithelial junction formation.
  • They mediate signaling for neural crest specification. (correct)
  • They are responsible for the migration of neural crest cells.
  • They cause a transition to mesenchymal cell types.

What characterizes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process?

  • Complete differentiation into neural stem cells.
  • Decrease in cell motility and increased junction formation.
  • Stabilization of epithelial layers during early development.
  • Loss of adhesion and transition to a migratory phenotype. (correct)

Which cellular characteristic is NOT typically associated with cells undergoing EMT?

  • Change in cell adhesion molecule expression.
  • Defined, polarized cell morphology. (correct)
  • Increased cell motility.
  • Altered gene expression linked to migration.

What is a potential consequence of neural crest cells transitioning back to an epithelial morphology, known as MET?

<p>They will integrate into existing epithelial tissues. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of cancer, how does the EMT process affect neoplastic epithelial cells?

<p>It allows them to invade local tissues and metastasize. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about neural crest cell migration is true?

<p>Neural crest cells migrate in a cranial-to-caudal wave pattern. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main roles of transcription factors in neural crest cells undergoing EMT?

<p>To drive changes in gene expression crucial for EMT. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cell types is NOT typically derived from neural crest cells?

<p>Adipocytes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pertaining to neural crest cells?

<p>To facilitate the migration and subsequent differentiation of neural crest cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type is primarily responsible for myelination in the peripheral nervous system?

<p>Schwann cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tissues is NOT derived from the neural crest?

<p>Cardiac muscle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What broad difference exists between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

<p>CNS is encased in bone, whereas PNS is not (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which signaling pathway has been shown to affect neural crest cell development through the Endothelin receptor B?

<p>Wnt signaling pathway (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of EMT, how can this process impact cancer progression?

<p>It facilitates the detachment and migration of tumor cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the cKit gene mainly influence in relation to neural crest cells?

<p>Cell survival and proliferation during migration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the EDNRB gene in relation to Overo lethal white foal syndrome?

<p>It modulates the colonization of the GI tract by neural crest cells. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the binding of endothelin-3 to EDNRB affect neural crest cells?

<p>It enhances the ability of neural crest cells to colonize the GI tract. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the role of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system?

<p>They provide insulation to neuronal axons. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does a mutation in the Ednrb gene have on animal pigmentation?

<p>It disrupts the survival of melanocyte precursor cells. (B), It leads to uneven pigmentation and color changes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the roles of EDN-3/EDNRB signaling in developing organisms?

<p>It facilitates the development of melanocytes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does myelination play in the function of neurons?

<p>It enhances the speed and efficiency of action potentials. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In relation to cancer, what role does epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) serve?

<p>It enables cancer cells to acquire migratory and invasive properties. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Neural Crest Cells

Cells that develop from the neuroectoderm, detach from the neural tube, and migrate to form various body structures.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)

A cellular process where epithelial cells change to a migratory mesenchymal cell type.

Neural Crest EMT

EMT crucial for neural crest cells' development into migratory cells.

Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition (MET)

The process where neural crest cells transition back to an epithelial morphology.

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Cell Adhesion Molecules

Molecules that influence how cells stick together, important in EMT.

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Transcription Factors

Proteins that control gene expression, driving changes in EMT.

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BMP Factors

Signaling molecules from the surface ectoderm influencing neural crest specification.

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Migratory Cells

Cells capable of moving from one place to another in the body.

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Neural crest cell migration

The movement of neural crest cells from their origin to specific locations in the embryo.

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Neural crest cell origin

Neural crest cells originate from the neural plate.

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Cell adhesion

The process by which cells stick to each other and to the extracellular matrix during migration.

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Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord.

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Schwann cell

Cells that create myelin sheaths, insulating the peripheral nerves.

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Enteric nervous system

A separate nervous system within the digestive tract.

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Aganglionosis

A condition resulting from a defect in the development of ganglia in the enteric nervous system.

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What is EDNRB?

EDNRB is a receptor protein found on the surface of certain cells, including those that form the enteric nervous system and melanocytes. It plays a crucial role in the development of these tissues.

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What is EDN-3?

EDN-3 is a signaling molecule, a messenger that binds to EDNRB receptors on neural crest cells. This binding triggers a series of events crucial for proper development of the enteric nervous system and melanocytes.

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What is Overo Lethal White Foal Syndrome?

A condition caused by mutations in the EDNRB gene. It affects the development of the enteric nervous system and pigmentation, resulting in a white coat and fatal complications.

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What is enteric nervous system?

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a network of neurons that controls the digestive system. It's crucial for proper digestion, absorption, and motility of food.

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How does EDNRB affect melanocyte development?

EDNRB signaling influences the migration and survival of melanocyte precursor cells. Mutations in EDNRB can lead to changes in pigmentation, including white coat colors in horses.

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What are Schwann cells?

Schwann cells are supportive cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) that wrap around axons to form a myelin sheath.

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What is myelination?

Myelination is the process where axons are wrapped by Schwann cells (PNS) or oligodendrocytes (CNS) to increase the speed and efficiency of nerve signal transmission.

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Why are myelination and motor abilities related?

Many axons are not myelinated until after birth. This delay in myelination explains why newborns often have poor motor abilities. As myelination progresses, motor function improves.

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Study Notes

Neural Crest Cells

  • Neural crest cells originate from the neuroectoderm at the edges of the neural folds
  • They detach (delaminate) from the neural tube
  • Undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
  • Migrate to various locations forming a wide range of structures
  • Guided by signaling from the surface ectoderm (mediated by BMP factors)
  • Migrate extensively through the embryo
  • Develop into a wide range of structures
  • Migrate in a cranial-to-caudal wave along the neural axis
  • Changes in cell adhesiveness are influenced by changes in cell adhesion molecule expression

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)

  • An important cellular process in embryos and cancer
  • Epithelial cells transition to a mesenchymal cell phenotype
  • Crucial in neural crest cell development
  • Neural crest cells transition from a neuroectodermal epithelial phenotype to a migratory mesenchymal cell type
  • Involves changes in expression of genes involved in cell adhesion (like cadherin proteins), and cell-cell junction formation

Neural Crest Derivatives

  • Connective tissues of the head (bone, cartilage, dermis)
  • Cells within the outflow region of the heart
  • Pigment cells (melanocytes)
  • Adrenal medulla (adrenal chromaffin cells)
  • Parafollicular cells (C cells) of the thyroid
  • Sensory and autonomic neurons of the peripheral nervous system
  • Enteric nervous system neurons
  • Elements of the inner ear

Neural Crest Cells and Migration

  • Neural crest cells migrate through the embryo, guided by extracellular matrix components.
  • Extrinsic signals from the environment modulate neural crest cell identity and behavior
  • Intrinsic properties of neural crest cells also influence development
  • Defects in neural crest migration can result in developmental abnormalities

Myelination

  • Schwann cells myelinate axons in the peripheral nervous system
  • Oligodendrocytes myelinate axons in the central nervous system
  • Myelination increases the speed of nerve impulse transmission
  • Myelin is a lipid-rich substance forming concentric layers around axons
  • Myelination is essential for the development of function in the nervous system

Overo Lethal White Syndrome (OLWS)

  • Caused by mutations in the endothelin receptor B (EDNRB) gene
  • Leads to neural crest cell defects, including melanocytes and intestinal ganglia
  • Results in white coat color and aganglionosis of intestinal intramural ganglia (immotility, death)

Endothelin Receptor B (EDNRB)

  • A G-protein coupled cell membrane receptor expressed by various neural crest cells
  • Influenced by the ligand endothelin-3 (EDN-3)
  • Mutations in EDNRB can affect neural crest development (pigmentation, intestinal ganglia)

Inner Ear Development

  • Neural crest cells contribute to inner ear development
  • Defects in neural crest migration can lead to deafness in some species.

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