Transcriptional Control of Cell Lineage Development in Epicardium-Derived Cells

Journal of Developmental Biology

Caitlin M. Braitsch¹ 

[1] The Heart Institute, Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 240 Albert Sabin Way ML 7020, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; E-Mail

关键词: transcription factor;    Wt1;    Tcf21;    Tbx18;    epicardium derived cell;    embryo;    cardiovascular disease;   

DOI  :  10.3390/jdb1020092

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Epicardial derivatives, including vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiac fibroblasts, are crucial for proper development of the coronary vasculature and cardiac fibrous matrix, both of which support myocardial integrity and function in the normal heart. Epicardial formation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and epicardium-derived cell (EPDC) differentiation are precisely regulated by complex interactions among signaling molecules and transcription factors. Here we review the roles of critical transcription factors that are required for specific aspects of epicardial development, EMT, and EPDC lineage specification in development and disease. Epicardial cells and subepicardial EPDCs express transcription factors including Wt1, Tcf21, Tbx18, and Nfatc1. As EPDCs invade the myocardium, epicardial progenitor transcription factors such as Wt1 are downregulated. EPDC differentiation into SMC and fibroblast lineages is precisely regulated by a complex network of transcription factors, including Tcf21 and Tbx18. These and other transcription factors also regulate epicardial EMT, EPDC invasion, and lineage maturation. In addition, there is increasing evidence that epicardial transcription factors are reactivated with adult cardiac ischemic injury. Determining the function of reactivated epicardial cells in myocardial infarction and fibrosis may improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of heart disease.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.