Fig. 8.

Neural crest GRN and developmental transcriptome trajectories. (A) Connectomes for ectoderm and neural crest (https://github.com/Qotov/neucrest_grn). (B) Large GRNs of the major nodes Pax3 and TFAP2e. (C) In the “dual convergence model,” neural border cells present trajectories toward both placodes and NC, which converge with a trajectory from neural plate toward NC and another one from nonneural ectoderm toward placodes. Branching analyses suggest the top genes underlying transcriptome transitions. (D) Transcriptomic tree of NC cell states, across late gastrulation, neurulation, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition, ending at early migratory stage with gene signatures supporting each trajectory. Pax3 or Tfap2e expression prior to branching (in blue) prompted in vivo validation of their role on the branch-specific signature: branch-specific genes modulated by Pax3 or TFAP2e are shown in green.