1
|
Huijskes MM, Icardo JM, Coolen BF, Jensen B. Laterality defect of the heart in non-teleost fish. J Anat 2023; 243:1052-1058. [PMID: 37533305 PMCID: PMC10641032 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dextrocardia is a rare congenital malformation in humans in which most of the heart mass is positioned in the right hemithorax rather than on the left. The heart itself may be normal and dextrocardia is sometimes diagnosed during non-related explorations. A few reports have documented atypical positions of the cardiac chambers in farmed teleost fish. Here, we report the casual finding of a left-right mirrored heart in an 85 cm long wild-caught spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) with several organ malformations. Macroscopic observations showed an outflow tract originating from the left side of the ventricular mass, rather than from the right. Internal inspection revealed the expected structures and a looped cavity. The inner curvature of the loop comprised a large trabeculation, the bulboventricular fold, as expected. The junction between the sinus venosus and the atrium appeared normal, only mirrored. MRI data acquired at 0.7 mm isotropic resolution and subsequent 3D-modeling revealed the atrioventricular canal was to the right of the bulboventricular fold, rather than on the left. Spurred by the finding of dextrocardia in the shark, we revisit our previously published material on farmed Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii), a non-teleost bony fish. We found several alevins with inverted (left-loop) hearts, amounting to an approximate incidence of 1%-2%. Additionally, an adult sturgeon measuring 90 cm in length showed abnormal topology of the cardiac chambers, but normal position of the abdominal organs. In conclusion, left-right mirrored hearts, a setting that resembles human dextrocardia, can occur in both farmed and wild non-teleost fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myrte M. Huijskes
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMCAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - José M. Icardo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUniversity of CantabriaSantanderSpain
| | - Bram F. Coolen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMCAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMCAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carmona R, López-Sánchez C, Garcia-Martinez V, Garcia-López V, Muñoz-Chápuli R, Lozano-Velasco E, Franco D. Novel Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms Governing Embryonic Epicardium Formation. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:440. [PMID: 37998498 PMCID: PMC10672416 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10110440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The embryonic epicardium originates from the proepicardium, an extracardiac primordium constituted by a cluster of mesothelial cells. In early embryos, the embryonic epicardium is characterized by a squamous cell epithelium resting on the myocardium surface. Subsequently, it invades the subepicardial space and thereafter the embryonic myocardium by means of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Within the myocardium, epicardial-derived cells present multilineage potential, later differentiating into smooth muscle cells and contributing both to coronary vasculature and cardiac fibroblasts in the mature heart. Over the last decades, we have progressively increased our understanding of those cellular and molecular mechanisms driving proepicardial/embryonic epicardium formation. This study provides a state-of-the-art review of the transcriptional and emerging post-transcriptional mechanisms involved in the formation and differentiation of the embryonic epicardium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Carmona
- Department of Human Anatomy, Legal Medicine and History of Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Carmen López-Sánchez
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; (C.L.-S.); (V.G.-M.)
| | - Virginio Garcia-Martinez
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; (C.L.-S.); (V.G.-M.)
| | - Virginio Garcia-López
- Department of Medical and Surgical Therapeutics, Pharmacology Area, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
| | - Ramón Muñoz-Chápuli
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Estefanía Lozano-Velasco
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain;
| | - Diego Franco
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ma KGL, Gamperl AK, Syme DA, Weber LP, Rodnick KJ. Echocardiography and electrocardiography reveal differences in cardiac hemodynamics, electrical characteristics, and thermal sensitivity between northern pike, rainbow trout, and white sturgeon. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2019; 331:427-442. [PMID: 31385459 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Doppler and B-mode ultrasonography and electrocardiography (ECG) were used to determine cardiac hemodynamics and electrical characteristics in 12°C-acclimated and metomidate-anesthetized northern pike, rainbow trout and white sturgeon (7-9 per species) at 12°C and 20°C, and at a comparable heart rate (fH , ~60 beats/min). Despite similar relative ventricle masses and cardiac output (Q), interspecific differences were observed at 12°C in fH , ventricular filling and ejection, stroke volume, the duration ECG intervals, and cardiac valve cross-sectional areas. Vis-a-fronte filling of the atrium due to ventricular contraction was observed in all species. However, biphasic ventricular filling (i.e., due to central venous pressure and then atrial contraction) was only observed in rainbow trout and white sturgeon. Changes in atrial and ventricular performance varied between the species as temperature increased from 12°C to 20°C. Rainbow trout had the highest thermal sensitivity for fH (Q10 = 3.73), which doubled Q, and the largest increase in transvalvular blood velocity during ventricular filling. Conversely, northern pike had the lowest Q10 for fH (1.58) and did not increase Q. At ~60 beats/min, the rainbow trout heart had the shortest period of electrical activity, which also resulted in the longest recovery period (TP interval) between successive beats. The QT interval at ~60 beats/min was also longer in the white sturgeon versus the other species. These results suggest that interspecific differences in fish cardiac hemodynamics may be related to cardiac morphology, the duration of electrical impulses through the heart, cardiac thermal sensitivity, and valve dimensions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen G L Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - A Kurt Gamperl
- Department of Ocean Sciences and Biology, Memorial University, St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada.,Department of Biology, Memorial University, St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Douglas A Syme
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lynn P Weber
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Kenneth J Rodnick
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cabrera-Castro R, Zabala C, Soriguer MC, Domezain A, Hernando JA. Morphological development in the first life phase of Adriatic sturgeon Acipenser naccarii under controlled conditions. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2018; 92:1956-1974. [PMID: 29672853 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Early development of the Adriatic sturgeon Acipenser naccarii from its free embryo after hatching (stage 36), until late embryo stage, when the transition to exogenous feeding starts (stage 45) is described. Special emphasis is given to morphological development and description of the different structures that are formed at each life stage. After hatching, free embryos still present embryonic characteristics, little pigmentation and an ovoid yolk sac. The mouth begins to open on the second day post hatch (dph) and is fully open at 3 dph. The head begins to separate from the body at 4 dph and straightens at 6 dph. The first fins to appear are the pectoral fins on the yolk sac and an embryological fin fold that extends from behind the head to the posterior part of the yolk sac. All other fins will develop from this fold. At 7 dph the caudal fin begins to take a heterocercal form and dorsal scutes are observed. This study provides information that will assist aquaculturists by establishing a reference for the normal development of A. naccarii, which may be useful for evaluating the suitability and quality of fish produced for restocking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Cabrera-Castro
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Marinas (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEIMAR), Avda. República Saharaui, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEIMAR), Universidad de Cádiz. Avda. República Saharaui, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - C Zabala
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEIMAR), Universidad de Cádiz. Avda. República Saharaui, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - M C Soriguer
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEIMAR), Universidad de Cádiz. Avda. República Saharaui, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - A Domezain
- Caviar de Riofrío S.L. Camino de la Piscifactoria n° 2, 18313 Riofrio, Granada, Spain
| | - J A Hernando
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEIMAR), Universidad de Cádiz. Avda. República Saharaui, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dueñas A, Aranega AE, Franco D. More than Just a Simple Cardiac Envelope; Cellular Contributions of the Epicardium. Front Cell Dev Biol 2017; 5:44. [PMID: 28507986 PMCID: PMC5410615 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2017.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The adult pumping heart is formed by distinct tissue layers. From inside to outside, the heart is composed by an internal endothelial layer, dubbed the endocardium, a thick myocardial component which supports the pumping capacity of the heart and exteriorly covered by a thin mesothelial layer named the epicardium. Cardiac insults such as coronary artery obstruction lead to ischemia and thus to an irreversible damage of the myocardial layer, provoking in many cases heart failure and death. Thus, searching for new pathways to regenerate the myocardium is an urgent biomedical need. Interestingly, the capacity of heart regeneration is present in other species, ranging from fishes to neonatal mammals. In this context, several lines of evidences demonstrated a key regulatory role for the epicardial layer. In this manuscript, we provide a state-of-the-art review on the developmental process leading to the formation of the epicardium, the distinct pathways controlling epicardial precursor cell specification and determination and current evidences on the regenerative potential of the epicardium to heal the injured heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angel Dueñas
- Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Research Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of JaénJaén, Spain
| | - Amelia E Aranega
- Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Research Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of JaénJaén, Spain
| | - Diego Franco
- Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Research Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of JaénJaén, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Icardo JM, Colvee E, Schorno S, Lauriano ER, Fudge DS, Glover CN, Zaccone G. Morphological analysis of the hagfish heart. II. The venous pole and the pericardium. J Morphol 2016; 277:853-65. [PMID: 27027779 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The morphological characteristics of the venous pole and pericardium of the heart were examined in three hagfish species, Myxine glutinosa, Eptatretus stoutii, and Eptatretus cirrhatus. In these species, the atrioventricular (AV) canal is long, funnel-shaped and contains small amounts of myocardium. The AV valve is formed by two pocket-like leaflets that lack a papillary system. The atrial wall is formed by interconnected muscle trabeculae and a well-defined collagenous system. The sinus venosus (SV) shows a collagenous wall and is connected to the left side of the atrium. An abrupt collagen-muscle boundary marks the SV-atrium transition. It is hypothesized that the SV is not homologous to that of other vertebrates which could have important implications for understanding heart evolution. In M. glutinosa and E. stoutii, the pericardium is a closed bag that hangs from the tissues dorsal to the heart and encloses both the heart and the ventral aorta. In contrast, the pericardium is continuous with the loose periaortic tissue in E. cirrhatus. In all three species, the pericardium ends at the level of the SV excluding most of the atrium from the pericardial cavity. In M. glutinosa and E. stoutii, connective bridges extend between the base of the aorta and the ventricular wall. In E. cirrhatus, the connections between the periaortic tissue and the ventricle may carry blood vessels that reach the ventricular base. A further difference specific to E. cirrhatus is that the adipose tissue associated with the pericardium contains thyroid follicles. J. Morphol. 277:853-865, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José M Icardo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, 39011-, Santander, Spain
| | - Elvira Colvee
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, 39011-, Santander, Spain
| | - Sarah Schorno
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, N1G-2W1, Canada
| | - Eugenia R Lauriano
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, I-98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Douglas S Fudge
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, N1G-2W1, Canada
| | - Chris N Glover
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Giacomo Zaccone
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, I-98166, Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Andrés-Delgado L, Mercader N. Interplay between cardiac function and heart development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1863:1707-16. [PMID: 26952935 PMCID: PMC4906158 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction refers to the conversion of mechanical forces into biochemical or electrical signals that initiate structural and functional remodeling in cells and tissues. The heart is a kinetic organ whose form changes considerably during development and disease. This requires cardiomyocytes to be mechanically durable and able to mount coordinated responses to a variety of environmental signals on different time scales, including cardiac pressure loading and electrical and hemodynamic forces. During physiological growth, myocytes, endocardial and epicardial cells have to adaptively remodel to these mechanical forces. Here we review some of the recent advances in the understanding of how mechanical forces influence cardiac development, with a focus on fluid flow forces. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cardiomyocyte Biology: Integration of Developmental and Environmental Cues in the Heart edited by Marcus Schaub and Hughes Abriel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andrés-Delgado
- Development of the Epicardium and Its Role during Regeneration Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC-ISCIII), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nadia Mercader
- Development of the Epicardium and Its Role during Regeneration Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC-ISCIII), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Plavicki JS, Hofsteen P, Yue MS, Lanham KA, Peterson RE, Heideman W. Multiple modes of proepicardial cell migration require heartbeat. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2014; 14:18. [PMID: 24885804 PMCID: PMC4048602 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-14-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background The outermost layer of the vertebrate heart, the epicardium, forms from a cluster of progenitor cells termed the proepicardium (PE). PE cells migrate onto the myocardium to give rise to the epicardium. Impaired epicardial development has been associated with defects in valve development, cardiomyocyte proliferation and alignment, cardiac conduction system maturation and adult heart regeneration. Zebrafish are an excellent model for studying cardiac development and regeneration; however, little is known about how the zebrafish epicardium forms. Results We report that PE migration occurs through multiple mechanisms and that the zebrafish epicardium is composed of a heterogeneous population of cells. Heterogeneity is first observed within the PE and persists through epicardium formation. Using in vivo imaging, histology and confocal microscopy, we show that PE cells migrate through a cellular bridge that forms between the pericardial mesothelium and the heart. We also observed the formation of PE aggregates on the pericardial surface, which were released into the pericardial cavity. It was previously reported that heartbeat-induced pericardiac fluid advections are necessary for PE cluster formation and subsequent epicardium development. We manipulated heartbeat genetically and pharmacologically and found that PE clusters clearly form in the absence of heartbeat. However, when heartbeat was inhibited the PE failed to migrate to the myocardium and the epicardium did not form. We isolated and cultured hearts with only a few epicardial progenitor cells and found a complete epicardial layer formed. However, pharmacologically inhibiting contraction in culture prevented epicardium formation. Furthermore, we isolated control and silent heart (sih) morpholino (MO) injected hearts prior to epicardium formation (60 hpf) and co-cultured these hearts with “donor” hearts that had an epicardium forming (108 hpf). Epicardial cells from donor hearts migrated on to control but not sih MO injected hearts. Conclusions Epicardial cells stem from a heterogeneous population of progenitors, suggesting that the progenitors in the PE have distinct identities. PE cells attach to the heart via a cellular bridge and free-floating cell clusters. Pericardiac fluid advections are not necessary for the development of the PE cluster, however heartbeat is required for epicardium formation. Epicardium formation can occur in culture without normal hydrodynamic and hemodynamic forces, but not without contraction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S Plavicki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705-2222, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
The epicardium is the mesothelial outer layer of the vertebrate heart. It plays an important role during cardiac development by, among other functions, nourishing the underlying myocardium, contributing to cardiac fibroblasts and giving rise to the coronary vasculature. The epicardium also exerts key functions during injury responses in the adult and contributes to cardiac repair. In this article, we review current knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying epicardium formation in the zebrafish, a teleost fish, which is rapidly gaining status as an animal model in cardiovascular research, and compare it with the mechanisms described in other vertebrate models. We moreover describe the expression patterns of a subset of available zebrafish Wilms' tumor 1 transgenic reporter lines and discuss their specificity, applicability and limitations in the study of epicardium formation.
Collapse
|
10
|
Peralta M, Steed E, Harlepp S, González-Rosa JM, Monduc F, Ariza-Cosano A, Cortés A, Rayón T, Gómez-Skarmeta JL, Zapata A, Vermot J, Mercader N. Heartbeat-driven pericardiac fluid forces contribute to epicardium morphogenesis. Curr Biol 2013; 23:1726-35. [PMID: 23954432 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2013.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydrodynamic forces play a central role in organ morphogenesis. The role of blood flow in shaping the developing heart is well established, but the role of fluid forces generated in the pericardial cavity surrounding the heart is unknown. Mesothelial cells lining the pericardium generate the proepicardium (PE), the precursor cell population of the epicardium, the outer layer covering the myocardium, which is essential for its maturation and the formation of the heart valves and coronary vasculature. However, there is no evidence from in vivo studies showing how epicardial precursor cells reach and attach to the heart. RESULTS Using optical tools for real-time analysis in the zebrafish, including high-speed imaging and optical tweezing, we show that the heartbeat generates pericardiac fluid advections that drive epicardium formation. These flow forces trigger PE formation and epicardial progenitor cell release and motion. The pericardial flow also influences the site of PE cell adhesion to the myocardium. We additionally identify novel mesothelial sources of epicardial precursors and show that precursor release and adhesion occur both through pericardiac fluid advections and through direct contact with the myocardium. CONCLUSIONS Two hydrodynamic forces couple cardiac development and function: first, blood flow inside the heart, and second, the pericardial fluid advections outside the heart identified here. This pericardiac fluid flow is essential for epicardium formation and represents the first example of hydrodynamic flow forces controlling organogenesis through an action on mesothelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Peralta
- Department of Cardiovascular Development and Repair, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, calle Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
|
13
|
Schlueter J, Brand T. Epicardial progenitor cells in cardiac development and regeneration. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2012; 5:641-53. [PMID: 22653801 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-012-9377-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The epicardium forms an epithelial layer on the surface of the heart. It is derived from a cluster of mesothelial cells, which is termed the proepicardium. The proepicardium gives rise not only to the epicardium but also to epicardium-derived cells. These cells populate the myocardial wall and differentiate into smooth muscle cells, fibroblast, and possibly endothelial cells. In this review, the formation of the proepicardium is discussed. Marker genes, suitable to identify these cells in the embryo and in the adult, are introduced. Recent evidence suggests that the PE is made up of distinct cell populations. These cell lineages can be distinguished on the basis of marker gene expression and differ in their differentiation potential. The role of the epicardium as a resource for cardiac stem cells and its importance in cardiac regeneration is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Schlueter
- Harefield Heart Science Centre, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hill End Road, Harefield, Middlesex, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Abstract
The embryonic heart initially consists of only two cell layers, the endocardium and the myocardium. The epicardium, which forms an epithelial layer on the surface of the heart, is derived from a cluster of mesothelial cells developing at the base of the venous inflow tract of the early embryonic heart. This cell cluster is termed the proepicardium and gives rise not only to the epicardium but also to epicardium-derived cells. These cells populate the myocardial wall and differentiate into smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts, while the contribution to the vascular endothelial lineage is uncertain. In this review we will discuss the signaling molecules involved in recruiting mesodermal cells to undergo proepicardium formation and guide these cells to the myocardial surface. Marker genes which are suitable to follow these cells during proepicardium formation and cell migration will be introduced. We will address whether the proepicardium consists of a homogenous cell population or whether different cell lineages are present. Finally the role of the epicardium as a source for cardiac stem cells and its importance in cardiac regeneration, in particular in the zebrafish and mouse model systems is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Schlueter
- 1Harefield Heart Science Centre, National Heart
and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hill End Road, Harefield,
Middlesex, UB9 6JH, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Brand
- 1Harefield Heart Science Centre, National Heart
and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hill End Road, Harefield,
Middlesex, UB9 6JH, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|