Vgll2a is required for neural crest cell survival during zebrafish craniofacial development

► vgll2a is expressed in the pharyngeal endoderm and ectoderm surrounding the neural crest derived mesenchyme of the pharyngeal arches. ► FGF and retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathways regulate this domain of vgll2a expression. ► vgll2a is required within the pharyngeal epithelia for NCC survival and development of the cranial cartilages. ► These data reveal a novel non-cell autonomous role for Vgll2a in development of the NCC-derived vertebrate craniofacial skeleton.