Neural crest stem cells: Discovery, properties and potential for therapy

Annita Achilleos, Paul A. Trainor

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Neural crest (NC) cells are a migratory cell population synonymous with vertebrate evolution. They generate a wide variety of cell and tissue types during embryonic and adult development including cartilage and bone, connective tissue, pigment and endocrine cells as well as neurons and glia amongst many others. Such incredible lineage potential combined with a limited capacity for self-renewal, which persists even into adult life, demonstrates that NC cells bear the key hallmarks of stem and progenitor cells. In this review, we describe the identification, characterization and isolation of NC stem and progenitor cells from different tissues in both embryo and adult organisms. We discuss their specific properties and their potential application in cell-based tissue and disease-specific repair.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)288-304
Number of pages17
JournalCell Research
Volume22
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ES cells
  • iPS cells
  • Multipotency
  • Neural crest cells
  • Self renewal
  • Stem and progenitor cells

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Neural crest stem cells: Discovery, properties and potential for therapy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this