A cell population in the neural plate border region of embryos of ascidians, the closest relatives of vertebrates, has properties similar to those of the neural crest cells and neuromesodermal cells of vertebrate embryos. The evolutionary origin of these multipotent cells may date back to the common ancestor of vertebrates and ascidians.

中文翻译：

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脊椎动物神经嵴和神经中胚层细胞的进化起源

海鞘（脊椎动物的近亲）胚胎神经板边缘区域的细胞群具有与脊椎动物胚胎的神经嵴细胞和神经中胚层细胞相似的特性。这些多能细胞的进化起源可以追溯到脊椎动物和海鞘的共同祖先。