The transcription factor Foxc1a in zebrafish directly regulates expression of nkx2.5, encoding a transcriptional regulator of cardiac progenitor cells.

ABSTRACT: Cardiogenesis is a tightly controlled biological process required for formation of a functional heart. The transcription factor Foxc1 not only plays a crucial role in outflow tract development in mice, but is also involved in cardiac structure formation and normal function in humans. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Foxc1 controls cardiac development remain poorly understood. Previously, we reported that zebrafish embryos deficient in foxc1a, an ortholog of mammalian Foxc1, display pericardial edemas and die 9-10 days postfertilization. To further investigate Foxc1a's role in zebrafish cardiogenesis and identify its downstream target genes during early heart development, we comprehensively analyzed the cardiovascular phenotype of foxc1a-null zebrafish embryos

SUBMITTER: Yue Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5767868 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature