cardiac cell fate specification

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process involved in the specification of cardiac cell identity. Once specification has taken place, a cell will be committed to differentiate down a specific pathway if left in its normal environment. [GOC:mtg_heart]

Cardiac cell fate specification is a complex and tightly regulated process that involves a series of molecular events, beginning with the commitment of pluripotent cells to the mesoderm lineage. This commitment is driven by transcription factors such as Brachyury and GATA4. Once mesodermal cells are specified, they enter the cardiogenic progenitor pool. Within this pool, cells undergo a series of signaling events, including Wnt, BMP, and FGF signaling, which determine their specific cardiac cell fate. These signaling pathways influence the expression of key transcription factors that govern cardiac cell fate, such as Nkx2.5, GATA4, and Tbx5. These factors act in a coordinated manner to activate genes required for the development of specific cardiac cell types.

Cardiac cell fate specification involves the formation of distinct cardiac cell types, including cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts.

Cardiomyocytes, the contractile cells of the heart, are specified by the expression of cardiac-specific transcription factors, such as Myocardin, MEF2, and SRF. These factors regulate the expression of genes required for cardiomyocyte function, including sarcomeric proteins, ion channels, and calcium handling proteins.

Endothelial cells, which line the heart chambers and vessels, are specified by the expression of transcription factors such as ETS1, Fli1, and Tie2. These factors regulate the expression of genes required for endothelial cell function, including cell-cell adhesion molecules, vascular growth factors, and signaling receptors.

Smooth muscle cells, which contribute to the structure and function of the heart, are specified by the expression of transcription factors such as SM22, Myocardin, and SRF. These factors regulate the expression of genes required for smooth muscle cell function, including contractile proteins, cytoskeletal proteins, and signaling receptors.

Fibroblasts, which produce extracellular matrix components, are specified by the expression of transcription factors such as AP-1, Sp1, and TGF-β. These factors regulate the expression of genes required for fibroblast function, including collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans.

Cardiac cell fate specification is a highly dynamic process that requires precise temporal and spatial regulation of gene expression. Disruptions in this process can lead to congenital heart defects, highlighting the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern cardiac cell fate.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (17)