Nephronectin regulates atrioventricular canal differentiation via Bmp4-Has2 signaling in zebrafish.

ABSTRACT: The extracellular matrix is crucial for organogenesis. It is a complex and dynamic component that regulates cell behavior by modulating the activity, bioavailability and presentation of growth factors to cell surface receptors. Here, we determined the role of the extracellular matrix protein Nephronectin (Npnt) in heart development using the zebrafish model system. The vertebrate heart is formed as a linear tube in which myocardium and endocardium are separated by a layer of extracellular matrix termed the cardiac jelly. During heart development, the cardiac jelly swells at the atrioventricular (AV) canal, which precedes valve formation. Here, we show that Npnt expression correlates with this process. Morpholino-mediated knockdown of Npnt prevents proper valve leaflet formation and trabecu

SUBMITTER: Patra C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3253110 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature