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Left Right Patterning, Evolution and Cardiac Development

Iain M Dykes1

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK.

Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease
|May 15, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Left-right axis patterning is crucial for heart development, and its disruption causes congenital heart defects. This review explores mechanisms, evolutionary aspects, and cardiovascular defects linked to abnormal left-right patterning.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Left-right axis determination is fundamental to heart development.
  • Aberrant left-right patterning leads to congenital heart diseases.
  • Axis establishment precedes heart tube formation but influences later morphogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review mechanisms of left-right polarity in mouse and chick embryos.
  • To discuss the evolution of left-right patterning systems.
  • To describe cardiovascular defects associated with aberrant left-right patterning.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative embryology of mouse and chick models.
  • Analysis of mouse mutants and human disease phenotypes.
  • Review of developmental processes and evolutionary modifications.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of left-right polarity mechanisms in different species.
  • Phenotypic analysis of defects in atrial identity, venous connections, and heart tube looping.
  • Examination of asymmetric arterial system remodeling, including the aortic arch.

Conclusions:

  • Comparative embryology aids understanding of congenital heart disease.
  • Evolutionary modifications of developmental processes are evident.
  • Left-right patterning defects represent a significant class of cardiovascular anomalies.

Keywords:
NodalPitx2cheterotaxyisomerismleft-right patterning

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