This review focuses on how research, using chick as a model system, has contributed to our knowledge regarding the development of cranial placodes. This review highlights when and how molecular signaling events regulate early specification of placodal progenitor cells, as well as the development of individual placodes including morphological movements. In addition, we briefly describe various techniques used in chick that are important for studies in cell and developmental biology.
© 2012 The Authors Development, Growth & Differentiation © 2012 Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists.