Signaling and extrinsic forces leading to differentiation of neural crest cells to form ganglia of the peripheral nervous system

Interactions between cell from different tissues is essential for tissue morphogenesis. In vertebrates, the interaction between neural crest (NC) and placode cells (PC), is essential for cranial ganglia formation. However, the mechanism mediating their interplay remains largely unknown. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have gained prominence for their role as miRNAs carriers during cell-cell communication. However, their biogenesis and selective miRNA cargo remains poorly understood, particularly regarding the influence of the ir microenvironment. Some evidence indicates that mechanical cues from the environment influence sEVs biogenesis and content. Given that mechanical cues are essential for NC development we propose to address whether and how local microenvironmental mechanics instruct sEVs production by NC to influence PC behavior during trigeminal ganglion morphogenesis and differentiation. To attain this, we will resort to our combined multidisciplinary experience in the study of these embryonic cell populations, tissue mechanics and sEVs; and the use of complementary in vivo and ex vivo approaches. This research has the potential to uncover fundamental insights into how mechano-molecular tissue interplay contributes to the spatiotemporal control of morphogenetic events such as cell migration and differentiation. In the long range, this information will contribute to refine and generate novel sEV-based therapeutics strategies.