Relationship Between Neural Crest Cell Specification and Anterior Segment Dysgenesis

Abstract

Development of the anterior segment of the eye is closely associated with neural crest cell migration and specification. Its development is complex as it requires the functioning of a combination of local factors, receptors, inductors, and signalling between tissues such as the optic cup and periocular mesenchyme (POM). POM is comprised of neural crest-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells that give rise to numerous important anterior segment structures such as the cornea, and trabecular meshwork. Several genes involved in the migration and specification of the POM have been identified, including PITX2, FOXC1, and Tfap2b. The author, with the help of Judith West-Mays and Vanessa Martino, has conducted an extensive literature search on recently published articles surrounding anterior segment dysgenesis and its associated genes and transcription factors in order to construct this review paper.