Medical College of Wisconsin researchers identify proteins that help develop mammal...( The absence of two proteins in mamma...),Health
The absence of two proteins in mammalian embryos prevents the development of a healthy heart, a new study by researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, has found.
The study, which appears in the May 15 issue of Developmental Biology, was led by Stephen Duncan, Ph.D., professor of cell biology, neurobiology and anatomy at the Medical College.
This is the first study that has successfully identified the factors responsible for the onset of heart formation in the mammalian embryo. Until now, no single mutation had been identified that was thought to be responsible for blocking proper development of the heart in mammalian embryos. The identification of these major developmental switches will allow researchers to unravel the fundamental mechanisms that define heart cell formation.
Understanding the molecular pathways that control the development of the heart has been the subject of much interest in the scientific community, as approximately 35,000 children are born in the United States each year with congenital heart defects. Many more die during gestation because of complications from improper heart development.
Defining these molecular pathways has implications in the production of heart cells from stem cells, said Dr. Duncan. Our study suggests that mutations in GATA4 and GATA6 are likely contributors to the development of congenital heart disease in children. Indeed other investigators at our Medical College, as well as elsewhere, have found mutations in one of the genes from our study in children born with heart abnormalities.
Dr. Duncans lab found that either of two proteins, GATA4 and GATA6, controls the expression of genes that tell early embryonic cells to start making other proteins that eventually become beating heart cells.
When either GATA4 or GATA6 were present, the stem cells were able to make most of the proteins that are required for heart function suggesting that they act
'/>"/>
| Contact: Toranj Marphetia toranj@mcw.edu 414-456-4744 Medical College of Wisconsin Source:Eurekalert |
Related medicine news :
1. Select Medical Corporation Announces Results for First Quarter Ended March 31, 2008
2. The 2008 AMIA Spring Congress to Showcase Best Practices and Innovations in Biomedical and Health Informatics Research and Education
3. Americans must consider cost and effectiveness when comparing and choosing medical interventions
4. AGA Medical Corporation Receives CE Mark Approval for the AMPLATZER(R) Vascular Plug III
5. Nonin(R) Medical Pioneers First Interoperable, Wireless Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
6. CRH Medical Corporation opens Center in New York
7. Mindray Medical Completes Acquisition of Datascopes Patient Monitoring Business
8. RNC RESPONSE TO OBAMA COMMENTS ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAWS
9. LMS Medical Sees Fiscal 2008 Revenue Jump 72% Over F07 - Q4/F08 Revenue Hits New Record
10. UNICEF Rushing Medical Supplies, Tents, Clean Water to Children Affected by Powerful Earthquake in China
11. Milliman Says 2008 Medical Cost for American Family of Four Exceeds $15,600
| Copyright © 2003-2009 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |