How to make a heart: the origin and regulation of cardiac progenitor cells.

摘要: The formation of the heart is a complex morphogenetic process that depends on spatiotemporally regulated contribution cardiac progenitor cells. These mainly derive from splanchnic mesoderm first and second field (SHF), with an additional neurectodermally derived neural crest cells are critical for maturation arterial pole heart. origin distinguishing characteristics two fields, as well relation SHF to proepicardial organ proposed third still subjects debate. In last ten years many genes function in have been identified, leading establishment gene regulatory network mouse embryo. It becoming increasingly evident distinct networks control subdomains contribute different parts Although there now extensive information about mutant phenotypes reflect problems integration into developing heart, relatively little known mechanisms regulate cell behavior. This important source must be maintained proliferative, undifferentiated population. Selected subpopulations, at development stages, directed myocardial, also smooth muscle endothelial fates, they integrate Analysis signaling pathways impact SHF, factors, beginning reveal