Neural crest cell evolution: how and when did a neural crest cell become a neural crest cell
WA Munoz, PA Trainor - Current topics in developmental biology, 2015 - Elsevier
As vertebrates evolved from protochordates, they shifted to a more predatory lifestyle, and
radiated and adapted to most niches of the planet. This process was largely facilitated by the
generation of novel vertebrate head structures, which were derived from neural crest cells
(NCC). The neural crest is a unique vertebrate cell population that is frequently termed the
“fourth germ layer” because it forms in conjunction with the other germ layers and
contributes to a diverse array of cell types and tissues including the craniofacial skeleton, the …
radiated and adapted to most niches of the planet. This process was largely facilitated by the
generation of novel vertebrate head structures, which were derived from neural crest cells
(NCC). The neural crest is a unique vertebrate cell population that is frequently termed the
“fourth germ layer” because it forms in conjunction with the other germ layers and
contributes to a diverse array of cell types and tissues including the craniofacial skeleton, the …