Neuregulin-1 is a Chemoattractant and Chemokinetic Molecule for Trunk Neural Crest Cells

Developmental Dynamics 247:888–902, 2018.. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Trunk neural crest cells migrate rapidly along characteristic pathways within the developing vertebrate embryo. Proper trunk neural crest cell migration is necessary for the morphogenesis of much of the peripheral nervous system, melanocytes, and the adrenal medulla. Numerous molecules help guide trunk neural crest cell migration throughout the early embryo.

NRG1 is a trunk neural crest cell chemoattractant and chemokinetic molecule.

During development, cells reach their targets through the action of very precise and fine-tuned guidance mechanisms.

NRG1 can direct TNCC migration as a chemoattractant and chemokinetic molecule. Both mechanisms are consistent with the effects of erbB inhibition on DRG morphogenesis, and as such may comprise a foundational means by which NRG1 promotes early peripheral nervous system development.