Current insights into neural crest cell development and pathologies

Neural crest is a multipotent embryonic population unique to vertebrates which arises early in development and migrates extensively throughout the body. Exhibiting remarkable differentiation capacity, neural crest cells give rise to neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, in addition to pigment cells and craniofacial bone and cartilage. Improper neural crest formation and differentiation results in numerous human pathologies. In this chapter, we discuss the early formation of neural crest cells, highlight neurocristopathies revealing defects in the peripheral nervous system, and remark on pluripotent stem cell models used to address human disease.