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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
06:55
Protein Isolation from the Developing Embryonic Mouse Heart Valve Region
Published on: September 23, 2014
Periostin regulates atrioventricular valve maturation
Russell A Norris1, Ricardo A Moreno-Rodriguez, Yukiko Sugi
1Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Medical University of South Carolina, BSB Suite 601, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
Developmental Biology
|March 4, 2008
Summary
Periostin, an extracellular matrix protein, is crucial for cardiac valve development post-endothelial to mesenchymal transformation (EMT). Periostin null mice show severe heart defects, highlighting its role in valve leaflet formation and differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Extracellular Matrix Biology
Background:
- Cardiac valve leaflets develop from endocardial cushions via endothelial to mesenchymal transformation (EMT).
- Mechanisms regulating post-EMT cushion mesenchymal tissue remodeling into mature leaflets are largely unknown.
- Periostin, an extracellular matrix protein, is identified in developing and adult valve tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of periostin in post-EMT cardiac valve development.
- To elucidate the function of periostin in regulating mesenchymal cell differentiation during valve formation.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis to determine periostin localization.
- Phenotypic analysis of periostin gene-targeted (null) mice.
- Rescue experiments to confirm periostin's functional role.
Main Results:
- Periostin is predominantly expressed in post-EMT valve tissues and supporting structures.
- Periostin null mice exhibit atrial septal defects, abnormal atrioventricular (AV) valves, and aberrant AV cushion mesenchyme differentiation.
- Periostin acts as a molecular switch, promoting fibroblastic differentiation and inhibiting other mesodermal lineages.
Conclusions:
- Periostin is essential for post-EMT cardiac valve differentiation and morphogenesis.
- This study identifies periostin as the first extracellular matrix protein directly regulating post-EMT AV valve differentiation.
- Periostin's function is critical for forming mature, functional cardiac valves from embryonic cushions.
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