Cardiac development in zebrafish: coordination of form and function

Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2002 Dec;13(6):507-13. doi: 10.1016/s1084952102001040.

Abstract

Organogenesis is a dynamic process involving multiple phases of pattern formation and morphogenesis. For example, heart formation involves the specification and differentiation of cardiac precursors, the integration of precursors into a tube, and the remodeling of the embryonic tube to create a fully functional organ. Recently, the zebrafish has emerged as a powerful model organism for the analysis of cardiac development. In particular, zebrafish mutations have revealed specific genetic requirements for cardiac fate determination, migration, fusion, tube assembly, looping, and remodeling. These processes ensure proper cardiac function; likewise, cardiac function may influence aspects of cardiac morphogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement
  • Embryonic and Fetal Development*
  • Heart / embryology
  • Heart / growth & development*
  • Morphogenesis
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / cytology
  • Zebrafish / embryology*