Evolving Neural Crest Cells

Vertebrates possess lineage-specific characteristics. These include paired anterior sense organs and a robust modular head skeleton built of cellular cartilage and bone. All of these structures are derived at least partly from an embryonic tissue unique vertebrates - the neural crest. 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. This information will be used to reveal neural crest evolution and identify the genomic genetic and gene-regulatory changes that drove them. Key selling features: Summarizes the data regarding neural crest cells and nerural crest derivativesUses a broad-based comparative approachSuggests hypothesis that the origin of neural crest cells involved the novel co-activation of ancient metazoan gene programs in neural border cellsIllustrates how the emergences of neural crest made possible the diversification of vertebrate heads. Language: English