The Neural Crest Across The Lifespan: Implications For Aging, Degeneration, And Regeneration
During the early stages of development, a special group of cells called the neural crest emerges, playing a crucial role in forming many parts of the body, including facial bones, nerves, skin pigment cells, and heart structures. While these cells were once thought to be primarily important during embryonic growth, new research reveals that their descendants persist into adulthood. These adult neural crest-derived cells are essential for maintaining the body’s internal balance (known as tissue homeostasis), allowing tissues to adapt (plasticity), and repairing damage (regeneration).
As we age, changes in tissues that originated from these cells, such as alterations in facial bones, skin pigmentation, and peripheral nerves, are linked to processes where cells stop dividing but remain active (cellular senescence) and disruptions in cell communication. Furthermore, these cells are implicated in various age-related diseases, including conditions where nerve cells progressively lose function (neurodegeneration), heart abnormalities, and the breakdown of facial and skull structures.
The good news is that understanding these lifelong roles opens new avenues for regenerative medicine. Scientists are now exploring how to use these versatile stem and progenitor cells—which have the ability to develop into many different cell types—and specific molecular pathways (the intricate networks of interactions between molecules in a cell) to revitalize aging tissues and potentially treat age-related conditions.
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