The cell adhesion molecule L1 is required for chain migration of neural crest cells in the developing mouse gut

Abstract

BACKGROUND & AIMS: During development, the enteric nervous system is derived from neural crest cells that emigrate from the hindbrain, enter the foregut, and colonize the gut. Defects in neural crest migration can result in intestinal aganglionosis. Hirschsprung's disease (congenital aganglionosis) is a human condition in which enteric neurons are absent from the distal bowel. A number of clinical studies have implicated the cell adhesion molecule L1 in Hirschsprung's disease. We examined the role of L1 in the migration of neural crest cells through the developing mouse gut. METHODS: A variety of in vitro and in vivo assays were used to examine: (1) the effect of L1 blocking antibodies or ex..