Evolving Neural Crest Cells

Vertebrates possess lineage-specific characteristics, including paired anterior sense organs and a robust, modular head skeleton built of cellular cartilage and bone. The evolutionary history of the neural crest, and neural crest cells, has been difficult to reconstruct. This volume will use a comparative approach to survey the development of the neural crest in vertebrates and neural crest-like cells across the metazoa, revealing neural crest evolution and identifying genomic, genetic, and gene-regulatory changes that drove them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Vertebrates, a diverse group of animals, possess a remarkable set of lineage-specific characteristics that set them apart from other organisms. These features include paired anterior sense organs, a robust, modular head skeleton composed of cellular cartilage and bone, and an embryonic tissue known as the neural crest. The neural crest is a unique embryonic tissue that gives rise to various structures in vertebrates, including the head, face, and nervous system.

The evolutionary history of the neural crest and its cells has been a subject of intense study, as it holds important insights into the diversification of vertebrate bodies. Reconstructing the neural crest's evolutionary trajectory has been challenging due to its complex nature and the lack of direct fossil evidence. However, recent advances in genetics, molecular biology, and developmental biology have shed light on the processes that drive neural crest development.

In this volume, we will take a comparative approach to survey the development of the neural crest in vertebrates and neural crest-like cells across the metazoa. We will explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate neural crest development and identify the genomic, genetic, and gene-regulatory changes that have driven its evolution.

One of the key findings of this research is that the origin of neural crest cells involved the novel co-activation of ancient metazoan gene programs in neural border cells. This co-activation led to the emergence of a new cell type, the neural crest cell, which was capable of differentiating into a wide range of tissues and organs. The neural crest's ability to diversify vertebrate heads and bodies was a critical factor in their evolutionary success.

Furthermore, the study of neural crest development has revealed important insights into the evolution of the nervous system. Neural crest cells are responsible for the formation of the neural tube, which eventually gives rise to the brain and spinal cord. The evolution of the neural tube has been linked to the diversification of sensory organs, such as the eyes and ears, as well as the development of complex nervous systems.

In conclusion, the study of neural crest development is a fascinating field that has shed light on the evolution of vertebrate bodies and the nervous system. By using a comparative approach, we can better understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms that drive neural crest development and identify the genomic, genetic, and gene-regulatory changes that have driven its evolution. This knowledge has important implications for our understanding of animal diversity and evolution, as well as for developing new therapies for neurological disorders.

Weight: 622g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138630819