Neural Crest Development and Disease

National Institute Of Dental & Craniofacial Research

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Our recent work has focused on three main aims. First, we have studied early steps of neural crest development in the chicken embryo by using single cell level multiplex in situ hybridization approaches combined with transcriptional profile monitoring and genotype analysis following knockdown of genes of interest. Our work reveals interesting insight into the mechanisms of ectoderm patterning. Second, we have focused on validating methodology to recapitulate human neural crest development in vitro by characterizing a 3D ectodermal organic model. These efforts will help us better understand the role of specific genes and molecular events during a certain developmental stage in normal human development as well as in neurocristopathies. Third, we have investigated the in vivo role of the ubiquitin ligase CRL3-KLHL4. Our results show that it acts as a ubiquitin-based effector to inhibitor switch that coordinates ectodermal patterning during early neurulation stages, which is essential for the correct formation of the brain, craniofacial skeleton and skin.