Fibronectin substrate induces shortening of in vitro neural crest cell mitotic cycle

Neural crest cells (NCC) segregate from neural folds, swim through extracel lular matrix, and differentiate in several cell types. During in vivo and i n vitro dispersion, NCC display a substantial proliferative rate. Here, we have evaluated this biological behavior under the influence of different su bstrates. NCC exhibit the highest proliferative activity on fibronectin sub strate, with shortening of the G1 period. This fact is reverted by specific antibody pre-treatment of the substrate. Taking into account that NCC migr ate along narrow and restricted pathways rich in essential fibronectin, wit h high proliferative rates, these results indicate that the fibronectin pat hway contributes to increase the cell number, leading to a high population pressure that could participate in the early dispersion of NCC.