Ectopic expression of Nkx2.5 suppresses the formation of the sinoatrial node in mice.

ABSTRACT: The sinoatrial node (SAN), functionally known as the pacemaker, regulates the cardiac rhythm or heartbeat. Several genes are expressed in the developing SAN and form a genetic network regulating the fate of the SAN cells. The short stature homeobox gene Shox2 is an important player in the SAN genetic network by regulating the expression of different cardiac conduction molecular markers including the early cardiac differentiation marker Nkx2.5. Here we report that the expression patterns of Shox2 and Nkx2.5 are mutually exclusive from the earliest stages of the venous pole and the SAN formation. We show that tissue specific ectopic expression of Shox2 in the developing mouse heart downregulates the expression of Nkx2.5 and causes cardiac malformations; however, it is not sufficient to induc

SUBMITTER: Espinoza-Lewis RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3143305 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature