Neural Crest Contributions to Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Neural crest cells are referred to as the “fourth germ layer” due to their remarkable diversity of fates and functions, despite their origin in the ectoderm. Neural crest cells undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition on the dorsal side of the neural tube. After de-epithelialization, the cells migrate broadly and differentiate into many cell types. Of relevance here, previous studies have suggested that these cells give rise to a subpopulation of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), which are used as a cell source for cell-based therapies in medicine. This article will focus on the ontogeny of neural crest-derived cells, including MSCs. A deeper understanding of the origin and differentiation trajectories of neural crest cells and MSCs will allow to refine the potential of these cells in regenerative medicine.