Neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) are a population of stem cells that originate from the embryonic neural crest during early development. They possess distinctive biological characteristics enabling them to contribute to a wide range of different tissues and structures throughout the body. One of the defining features of NCSCs is their multipotency and pluripotency. During development, they can differentiate into a diverse array of cell types, including neurons, glial cells, smooth muscle cells, cartilage, bone, melanocytes, and various other cell types. This developmental plasticity allows them to play critical roles in the formation of numerous organs and tissues. NCSCs are highly migratory cells. After delaminating from the neural tube during embryogenesis, they undergo extensive migration throughout the developing embryo. This migration is essential for their ability to populate different body regions and contribute to various structures. Directional movement of NCSCs is guided by a combination of chemotactic signals and cell-cell interactions. NCSCs are influenced by chemical gradients of various signalling molecules, both attractive and repulsive, that are secreted by surrounding tissues. For example, molecules like SDF-1 (stromal cell-derived factor 1) can attract NCSCs to specific regions, whilst other molecules, such as the Semaphorins, can repel them. These gradients help guide NCSCs toward their final destinations. Moreover, guidance cues can also actively repel NCSCs from inappropriate regions. For example, Ephrin signalling is known to repel NCSCs from regions where Eph receptor-expressing cells are located, ensuring that NCSCs migrate away from inappropriate areas. NCSCs have a strong neurogenic potential and can give rise to both neurons and glial cells of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). They contribute for example to the formation of sensory ganglia, autonomic ganglia, and Schwann cells, which are vital for peripheral nerve function. They also play a key role in craniofacial development, giving rise to the bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of the face and neck, including the cranial bones, cranial nerves, and components of the jaw and teeth. NCSCs also have melanogenic potential, giving rise to melanocytes, pigment-producing cells responsible for skin, hair, and eye colour. This melanogenic capability is crucial for their contribution to the formation of pigmented tissues. NCSCs can also differentiate into several mesenchymal cell types, such as chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and adipocytes. This capacity allows them to contribute to the development of bones, cartilage, and connective tissues in various parts of the body. NCSCs interact closely with neighbouring tissues, both during migration and differentiation. These interactions are mediated by a range of signalling pathways, growth factors, and extracellular matrix molecules that guide their fate. For example, the physical presence of neighbouring tissues can serve as a scaffold for NCSC migration with NCSCs migrating along cranial neural crest pathways that are established by the underlying mesoderm. Secreted guidance cues, such as Netrins, Slits, and Robo receptors, provide additional directional information for NCSCs. These molecules can act over both short and long distances to guide cells. We provide a wide product catalogue of research tools for studying neural crest stem cells, including SOX9 antibodies, and PAX3 antibodies. Explore our full neural crest stem cells product range below and discover more, for less.