The extracellular matrix protein agrin is essential for epicardial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition during heart development.

ABSTRACT: During heart development, epicardial cells residing within the outer layer undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migrate into the underlying myocardium to support organ growth and morphogenesis. Disruption of epicardial EMT results in embryonic lethality, yet its regulation is poorly understood. Here, we report epicardial EMT within the mesothelial layer of the mouse embryonic heart at ultra-high resolution using scanning electron microscopy combined with immunofluorescence analyses. We identified morphologically active EMT regions that associated with key components of the extracellular matrix, including the basement membrane-associated proteoglycan agrin. Deletion of agrin resulted in impaired EMT and compromised development of the epicardium, accompanied by downregulation

SUBMITTER: Sun X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8172119 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature