Importance of myocyte-nonmyocyte interactions in cardiac development and disease

Y Tian, EE Morrisey - Circulation research, 2012 - Am Heart Assoc
Y Tian, EE Morrisey
Circulation research, 2012Am Heart Assoc
Emerging data in the field of cardiac development as well as repair and regeneration
indicate a complex and important interplay between endocardial, epicardial, and
myofibroblast populations that is critical for cardiomyocyte differentiation and postnatal
function. For example, epicardial cells have been shown to generate cardiac myofibroblasts
and may be one of the primary sources for this cell lineage during development. Moreover,
paracrine signaling from the epicardium and endocardium is critical for proper development …
Emerging data in the field of cardiac development as well as repair and regeneration indicate a complex and important interplay between endocardial, epicardial, and myofibroblast populations that is critical for cardiomyocyte differentiation and postnatal function. For example, epicardial cells have been shown to generate cardiac myofibroblasts and may be one of the primary sources for this cell lineage during development. Moreover, paracrine signaling from the epicardium and endocardium is critical for proper development of the heart and pathways such as Wnt, fibroblast growth factor, and retinoic acid signaling have been shown to be key players in this process. Despite this progress, interactions between nonmyocyte cells and cardiomyocytes in the heart are still poorly understood. We review the various nonmyocyte-myocyte interactions that occur in the heart and how these interactions, primarily through signaling networks, help direct cardiomyocyte differentiation and regulate postnatal cardiac function.
Am Heart Assoc