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📣 Preprint alert! I am happy to share that our neural crest manuscript is now available on BioRxiv! www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...

📣 I'm excited to share our latest preprint! We adapt and characterise a neurosphere-based CNCC differentiation protocol, and demonstrate utility for quantitative phenotyping and craniofacial disease modelling! 🧫 Read about Array-CNCC here: www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6... @uoe-igc.bsky.social

Facial development is highly sensitive to genetic and environmental perturbation, with craniofacial malformation associated with over one-third of congenital birth defects. The face arises during an early and largely inaccessible window of embryonic development, with a large contribution from transient and multipotent cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs). Assessment of the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving normal and disordered human facial development therefore relies greatly on the use of in vitro cellular models. Here, we adapted a neurosphere-based CNCC differentiation protocol to facilitate robust quantification of early specification and migration events. Introduction of single-cell aggregation with arrayed plating enabled standardisation of neurosphere size, growth and patterning. Inclusion of fibronectin coating enhanced the efficiency of neurosphere attachment and synchronicity of CNCC migration timing. To demonstrate application of the Array-CNCC method, we developed a strategy for mosaic co-culture, which can facilitate differentiation of wildtype untreated cells directly alongside cells exposed to distinct drug treatments or genetic alterations. Finally, we present a screening approach which we use to test the impact of distinct extracellular matrix components on neurosphere morphology, CNCC migration and gene expression. Together, the Array-CNCC method is highly amenable to quantitative phenotyping and screening approaches, enabling enhanced craniofacial disease modelling with both cellular and molecular readouts. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Medical Research Council, MC\_UU\_00035/12, MC\_ST\_00035 Wellcome Trust, https://ror.org/029chgv08, 227712/Z/23/Z

So proud to be part of this amazing work in Hannah's @hannahlong.bsky.social lab!

📣 Paper alert! I am delighted that our paper exploring the impact of Neanderthal-derived variants on the activity of a disease-associated craniofacial enhancer has been published in Development today! journals.biologists.com/dev/article/...

As we close VGZT season 6, we’d like to THANKS all the speakers and participants for this fantastic season ✨. The VGZT 7 organiser team is ready and coming 👇. New announcements are coming soon, keep an eye out ⭐.

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