The neural crest is an embryonic cell population induced at the border of the neural plate from where it delaminates and migrates long distances across the embryo. Due to its extraordinary migratory capabilities, the neural crest has become a powerful system to study cellular and molecular aspects of collective and single cell migration both in vivo and in vitro. Here we provide detailed protocols used to perform quantitative analysis of molecular and cellular aspects of Xenopus laevis neural crest cell migration, both in vivo and in vitro.
Keywords: Cell dispersion; Cell migration; Delaunay-Voronoi triangulation; Grafts; In situ hybridization; Neural crest cells; Neural crest dissection; Quantitative migration; Xenopus laevis.