The FGF-BMP signaling axis regulates outflow tract valve primordium formation by promoting cushion neural crest cell differentiation.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Heart valves develop from precursor structures called cardiac cushions, an endothelial-lined cardiac jelly that resides in the inner side of the heart tube. The cushions are then invaded by cells from different sources, undergo a series of complicated and poorly understood remodeling processes, and give rise to valves. Disruption of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling axis impairs morphogenesis of the outflow tract (OFT). Yet, whether FGF signaling regulates OFT valve formation is unknown.

Objective

To study how OFT valve formation is regulated and how aberrant cell signaling causes valve defects.

Methods and results

By using mouse genetic manipulation, cell lineage tracing, ex vivo heart culture, and molecular biology approaches, we demonstrated th

SUBMITTER: Zhang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3052773 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature