regulation of cell adhesion involved in heart morphogenesis

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that modulates the extent of cell adhesion contributing to the shaping of the heart. [GOC:dph, GOC:mtg_heart, PMID:16860783]

Cell adhesion plays a crucial role in heart morphogenesis, the intricate process of heart development from a simple tube to a complex four-chambered organ. This regulation involves a complex interplay of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, orchestrated by a diverse array of molecular players. Here's a detailed breakdown:

**1. Initial Steps: Specification and Migration**

* **Cell Specification:** The heart progenitor cells, derived from mesoderm, are initially specified through intricate signaling pathways. These pathways involve factors like bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), and Wnt signaling, which define cell fate and initiate the formation of cardiac tissue.
* **Cell Migration:** Once specified, these cardiac progenitors undergo precise migrations, guided by chemoattractants and adhesion molecules. This migration is essential for the formation of the heart tube, the initial structure of the developing heart.

**2. Heart Tube Formation and Elongation:**

* **Cell Adhesion in Tube Formation:** As cardiac cells migrate and converge, they establish strong cell-cell adhesion through specialized junctions. These junctions, including adherens junctions and gap junctions, provide structural integrity and facilitate communication between neighboring cells. Key adhesion molecules involved are cadherins, particularly N-cadherin, which mediate homophilic interactions between adjacent cells.
* **Elongation and Folding:** The heart tube then undergoes extensive elongation and folding, driven by differential growth and coordinated cell rearrangements. This process is again regulated by cell adhesion, as specific adhesion patterns guide cell movement and shape changes.

**3. Chamber Formation and Septation:**

* **Compartmentalization:** The heart tube subsequently divides into four chambers: atria and ventricles. This process, known as septation, involves the formation of septa, internal walls that partition the chambers.
* **Cell-Cell Interactions in Septation:** The formation of septa relies on a complex interplay of cell adhesion, migration, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Specific populations of cells are recruited to the septal regions, where they adhere to each other and to the existing walls, forming the septum. Key adhesion molecules include N-cadherin, connexins, and integrins, which facilitate both cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions during this process.

**4. Valvular Development:**

* **Valvular Formation:** Heart valves, which control blood flow between the chambers, develop from specialized cell populations. These cells undergo intricate morphogenesis, including cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation, to form the valve leaflets.
* **Valve Leaflet Formation:** Valve leaflets are composed of layers of specialized cells, including endocardial cells and mesenchymal cells. These cells interact via adhesion molecules, such as N-cadherin and laminin, to establish the characteristic structure of the valve leaflets.

**5. Fine-Tuning and Remodeling:**

* **Continuous Remodeling:** Throughout heart development, cell adhesion continues to play a critical role in remodeling and fine-tuning the heart structure. Cells continue to migrate, differentiate, and remodel the developing chambers, valves, and vessels. This process is tightly regulated by adhesion molecules, signaling pathways, and mechanical forces.
* **Role of Extracellular Matrix:** The extracellular matrix (ECM), a complex network of proteins and polysaccharides, provides structural support and signaling cues to developing heart cells. Cell adhesion molecules, particularly integrins, mediate interactions between cells and the ECM, influencing cell behavior and promoting heart morphogenesis.

**In summary, the regulation of cell adhesion is fundamental to every stage of heart morphogenesis, from initial progenitor cell specification and migration to the intricate formation of chambers, valves, and vessels. This precise control over cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions is essential for the development of a functional heart.**'
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