Irx4 identifies a chamber-specific cell population that contributes to ventricular myocardium development.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The ventricular myocardium is the most prominent layer of the heart, and the most important for mediating cardiac physiology. Although the ventricular myocardium is critical for heart function, the cellular hierarchy responsible for ventricle-specific myocardium development remains unresolved.

Results

To determine the pattern and time course of ventricular myocardium development, we investigated IRX4 protein expression, which has not been previously reported. We identified IRX4+ cells in the cardiac crescent, and these cells were positive for markers of the first or second heart fields. From the onset of chamber formation, IRX4+ cells were restricted to the ventricular myocardium. This expression pattern persisted into adulthood. Of interest, we observed that IRX4

SUBMITTER: Nelson DO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4005848 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature