NeuralcrestZelllinie

NeuralcrestZelllinie refers to an in vitro cell line derived from neural crest cells. Neural crest cells originate during vertebrate embryogenesis at the border of the neural plate and non-neural ectoderm, migrate extensively, and differentiate into diverse cell types. A NeuralcrestZelllinie can be established from embryonic neural crest tissue or generated by differentiating human or animal pluripotent stem cells under defined signaling conditions that favor neural crest fate. Once established, the cell line typically expresses neural crest markers such as the P75 nerve growth factor receptor (p75NTR), SOX10, FOXD3 and HNK-1, and retains multipotent capacity.

Characteristic features include migratory capability in culture, adaptability to defined matrices, and the ability to differentiate into peripheral neurons, glial cells like Schwann cells, melanocytes, and, in some lines, craniofacial cartilage and dentin-forming cells under appropriate cues. The lines are used to model neural crest development, gene regulatory networks, and to study congenital neurocristopathies, such as Hirschsprung disease and neuroblastoma, as well as for drug screening and toxicology assays. In regenerative medicine research, neural crest cell lines serve as models to test differentiation into cell types of the peripheral nervous system and connective tissues.

Limitations include line-to-line variability, genetic and epigenetic drift with passaging, and differences between in vitro behavior and in vivo biology. Human-derived lines raise ethical considerations and require appropriate approvals, while induced pluripotent stem cell–derived neural crest lines help address some ethical concerns. See also neural crest and stem cell line.