cell migration involved in endocardial cushion formation

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The orderly movement of a cell from one site to another that will contribute to the formation of an endocardial cushion. The endocardial cushion is a specialized region of mesenchymal cells that will give rise to the heart septa and valves. [GOC:mtg_heart]

Endocardial cushion formation is a critical developmental process that establishes the foundation for the heart valves and the membranous septum. This process involves the coordinated migration of endocardial cells from the lining of the heart tube towards the center of the developing heart.

The process begins with the expression of specific signaling molecules, such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), which create a gradient that attracts endocardial cells towards the center. These signals also induce the expression of cell adhesion molecules, such as integrins and cadherins, allowing endocardial cells to adhere to each other and to the extracellular matrix.

The endocardial cells then undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process where they lose their epithelial characteristics and gain mesenchymal properties, becoming more migratory. This transition is characterized by the downregulation of epithelial markers, such as E-cadherin, and the upregulation of mesenchymal markers, such as N-cadherin and vimentin.

Once mesenchymal, the endocardial cells migrate into the central region of the heart, guided by chemoattractant signals and interactions with the extracellular matrix. These cells will form the endocardial cushions, which eventually differentiate into the heart valves and the membranous septum.

This intricate process involves a complex interplay of signaling pathways, cell adhesion molecules, and changes in cellular morphology and motility. The endocardial cushion formation is crucial for the normal development of the heart and any disruption of this process can lead to severe congenital heart defects.'
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Compounds (1)