dorsal aorta development

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The progression of the dorsal aorta over time, from its initial formation to the mature structure. The dorsal aorta is a blood vessel in a single-pass circulatory system that carries oxygenated blood from the gills to the rest of the body. In a single-pass circulatory system blood passes once through the heart to supply the body once. [GOC:bf, GOC:dgh, UBERON:0005805, Wikipedia:Aorta, ZFA:0000014]

The dorsal aorta (DA) is the primary blood vessel in the developing vertebrate embryo, supplying oxygenated blood to the posterior tissues. Its development is a complex process that involves intricate signaling pathways, cell migration, and differentiation.

The DA forms from two distinct primordia: the **aortic arches** and the **paired dorsal aortae**. The aortic arches, originating from the ventral aorta, arise as a series of paired vessels in the pharyngeal region. These arches contribute to the formation of the definitive DA.

The **paired dorsal aortae** emerge from the caudal region of the embryo, migrating dorsally and medially to fuse along the midline, creating the single, definitive DA. This fusion process is crucial for establishing the continuous flow of blood from the heart to the tail.

During development, the DA undergoes several **major transformations**. Firstly, the **aortic arches remodel**, with some regressing and others contributing to the formation of specific arteries. For example, the fourth arch forms the aortic arch in mammals. Secondly, the DA undergoes **segmentalization**, forming distinct arterial branches that supply specific regions of the embryo.

The development of the DA is highly regulated by **signaling pathways** and **transcription factors**. Key signaling pathways include **VEGF**, **Notch**, and **BMP**. VEGF promotes angiogenesis, while Notch and BMP play crucial roles in cell fate determination and differentiation. Transcription factors, such as **GATA** and **Sox**, also contribute to DA development by regulating the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis.

The DA forms the **foundation for the adult circulatory system**. As the embryo matures, the DA transforms into various arteries, including the descending aorta, intercostal arteries, and the iliac arteries. These arteries are essential for supplying blood to the entire body.

Disruptions in DA development can lead to **congenital heart defects**, including coarctation of the aorta and aortic arch anomalies. These conditions can have significant impacts on cardiovascular health, highlighting the importance of proper DA formation.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (3)