PUBLICATION

Stripes and belly-spots-A review of pigment cell morphogenesis in vertebrates

Authors
Kelsh, R.N., Harris, M.L., Colanesi, S., and Erickson, C.A.
ID
ZDB-PUB-081105-9
Date
2009
Source
Seminars in cell & developmental biology   20(1): 90-104 (Review)
Registered Authors
Kelsh, Robert
Keywords
melanocyte, melanophore, xanthophore, iridophore, patterning, morphogenesis, vertebrate embryos, neural crest
MeSH Terms
  • Aging/physiology
  • Animals
  • Cell Shape*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Pigmentation/physiology*
  • Stem Cells
  • Vertebrates/physiology*
PubMed
18977309 Full text @ Sem. Cell Dev. Biol.
Abstract
Pigment patterns in the integument have long-attracted attention from both scientists and non-scientists alike since their natural attractiveness combines with their excellence as models for the general problem of pattern formation. Pigment cells are formed from the neural crest and must migrate to reach their final locations. In this review, we focus on our current understanding of mechanisms underlying the control of pigment cell migration and patterning in diverse vertebrates. The model systems discussed here - chick, mouse, and zebrafish - each provide unique insights into the major morphogenetic events driving pigment pattern formation. In birds and mammals, melanoblasts must be specified before they can migrate on the dorsolateral pathway. Transmembrane receptors involved in guiding them onto this route include EphB2 and Ednrb2 in chick, and Kit in mouse. Terminal migration depends, in part, upon extracellular matrix reorganization by ADAMTS20. Invasion of the ectoderm, especially into the feather germ and hair follicles, requires specific signals that are beginning to be characterized. We summarize our current understanding of the mechanisms regulating melanoblast number and organization in the epidermis. We note the apparent differences in pigment pattern formation in poikilothermic vertebrates when compared with birds and mammals. With more pigment cell types, migration pathways are more complex and largely unexplored; nevertheless, a role for Kit signaling in melanophore migration is clear and indicates that at least some patterning mechanisms may be highly conserved. We summarize the multiple factors thought to contribute to zebrafish embryonic pigment pattern formation, highlighting a recent study identifying Sdf1a as one factor crucial for regulation of melanophore positioning. Finally, we discuss the mechanisms generating a second, metamorphic pigment pattern in adult fish, emphasizing recent studies strengthening the evidence that undifferentiated progenitor cells play a major role in generating adult pigment cells.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping