The Role of Neural Crest Cells in Development and Formation of Ear and Eye

Neural crest cells, as vertebrate-specific multipotent migratory stem cells, play a vital role in development of many embryonic organs. These cells dispart from the dorsal part of developing neural tube and then, migrate to different parts of the body, contributing to the formation of verity structures. In the head region of vertebrate, a population of neural crest cells migrates to the pharyngeal arch and periocular mesenchyme and makes critical contribution to the developing ear and eye. Understanding the contribution of neural crest cells in formation of these important sense organs is relevant both for basic science knowledge and human clinical concern. As there was no comprehensive review on neural crest cells function in ear and eye developing, we aimed to review the studies on the role of neural crest cells in development and formation of ear and eye.