Spatial Allocation and Specification of Cardiomyocytes during Zebrafish Embryogenesis

Abstract

Incomplete development and severe malformation of the heart result in miscarriage of embryos because of its malfunction as a pump for circulation. During cardiogenesis, development of the heart is precisely coordinated by the genetically-primed program that is revealed by the sequential expression of transcription factors. It is important to investigate how spatial allocation of the heart containing cardiomyocytes and other mesoderm-derived cells is determined. In addition, the molecular mechanism underlying cardiomyocyte differentiation still remains elusive. The location of ectoderm-, mesoderm-, and endoderm-derived organs is determined by their initial allocation and subsequent mutual cell-cell interactions or paracrine-based regulation. In the present work, we provide an overview of cardiac development controlled by the germ layers and discuss the points that should be uncovered in future for understanding cardiogenesis.

Prolonged Intensive Exercise: When the Right Ventricle Goes Wrong

“…The difference between RV and LV in their developmental,4) biochemical5) or physical6) properties has been investigated by many, and some have reported that the RV shows an exaggerated response to various stimuli 7)8). Importantly, the RV undergoes greater workload during exercise6) while having lesser means of adaptation and is susceptible to damage compared to the LV, possibly leading to eccentric remodeling and fibrosis 9)…”