Early Heart Formation and Patterning
Molecular Regulation of Early Heart Formation and Patterning
Experiments are designed to identify the molecular signals that specify some cells, but not others, as heart cells during embryonic development. One of the first genes expressed in the embryonic heart is the homeobox transcription factor nkx-2.5. We have identified early cardiac regulatory sequences of the nkx-2.5 gene and are studying the molecular regulatory interactions required for gene activation in the developing heart. Through these studies, specific tissue interactions and molecular signals required for cardiac development have been identified. In the long term, these studies may be valuable in efforts to generate increased numbers of cardiac cells for tissue engineering or a variety of therapeutic applications.
Related Publications
Liberatore, CM, Searcy-Schrick, RD, Vincent, EB and Yutzey, KE (2002). Nkx-2.5 gene induction in mice is mediated by Smads consensus regulatory region. Dev. Biol. 244: 243-256.
Yutzey, KE and Kirby, ML (2002). Wherefore Heart Thou? Embryonic origins of cardiogenic mesoderm. Dev. Dynam. 223: 307-320.
Yutzey, KE and Benson, DW (2003). TBX5: a developmental key that fits many locks. Invited editorial J. Mol. Cell Cardiol. 35:1175-1177.
Liberatore, CM and KE Yutzey (2004). Calcineurin signaling in avian cardiovascular development. Dev. Dynam. 229:300-311.
Plageman, TF Jr. and KE Yutzey (2004). Differential expression and function of Tbx5 and Tbx20 in cardiac development. J. Biol. Chem. 279: 19026-19034.
Liberatore, CM and KE Yutzey (2004). MAP Kinase signaling in avian cardiovascular development. Dev. Dynam. 230:773-780.
Plageman, TF Jr. and KE Yutzey (2005). T-box genes and heart development: Putting the "T" in HearT. Dev. Dynam. 232:11-20.
Contact Katherine Yutzey
Katherine Yutzey, PhD
Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology
Cincinnati Children's Medical Center
ML7020
3333 Burnet Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45229
Phone 513-636-8340
Fax 513-636-5958
Email yutzey@cchmc.org
