Knockdown of embryonic myosin heavy chain reveals an essential role in the morphology and function of the developing heart.

ABSTRACT: The expression and function of embryonic myosin heavy chain (eMYH) has not been investigated within the early developing heart. This is despite the knowledge that other structural proteins, such as alpha and beta myosin heavy chains and cardiac alpha actin, play crucial roles in atrial septal development and cardiac function. Most cases of atrial septal defects and cardiomyopathy are not associated with a known causative gene, suggesting that further analysis into candidate genes is required. Expression studies localised eMYH in the developing chick heart. eMYH knockdown was achieved using morpholinos in a temporal manner and functional studies were carried out using electrical and calcium signalling methodologies. Knockdown in the early embryo led to abnormal atrial septal development and

SUBMITTER: Rutland CS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3160091 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature