The force within: endocardial development, mechanotransduction and signalling during cardiac morphogenesis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Cell Signaling

Background:

• Endocardial cells, a type of cardiac endothelial cell, form the inner lining of the embryonic heart.
• Historically, their role in cardiac development was viewed primarily through a morphological lens.
• Emerging research highlights the endocardium's dynamic functions beyond structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the developmental processes of endocardial cells.
• To elucidate the instructive roles of the endocardium in embryonic heart development.
• To discuss the implications of dysregulated endocardial signaling in cardiac pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on endocardial cell function.
• Analysis of endocardial-myocardial interactions during heart development.
• Examination of signaling pathways responsive to blood flow.

Main Results:

• The endocardium acts as a sensor and transducer of biophysical forces from blood flow.
• It functions as an angiocrine signaling center influencing myocardial cell development, regeneration, and reprogramming.
• Dysregulation of blood flow-responsive endocardial signaling is linked to pathological changes.

Conclusions:

• The endocardium is a critical signaling hub in cardiac development, not just a structural component.
• Understanding endocardial mechanosensing and signaling is key to comprehending heart development and disease.
• Further research into endocardial signaling pathways may reveal therapeutic targets for cardiovascular conditions.