NR6A1 is essential for neural crest cell specification, formation and survival

Neural crest cells (NCC) are a migratory progenitor cell population unique to vertebrates that contribute to nearly every organ system throughout the body. Disruptions in NCC development can result in congenital disorders (neurocristopathies). Yet, our understanding of the cellular mechanisms and signals that govern mammalian NCC formation remains poor. Here, we discovered nuclear receptor superfamily 6 group member 1 (NR6A1/GCNF/RTR) is a novel, critical regulator of mammalian NCC...