Discover the mechanism of cardiac formation in the embryo

German scientists have identified the molecular and genetic mechanisms of heart formation in the embryo at the beginning of pregnancy. This discovery may help fight the evidence.

According to Nature Communications, scientists have described the process of heart formation of an embryo at the beginning of pregnancy.

They have identified the molecular and genetic mechanisms of this process. This discovery may help fight congenital heart disease.

Before the discovery of German scientists, science is still not clear about embryonic heart formation - (Photo: Liya Graphics / Max Pixel).

During the fourth week of pregnancy, around the embryo form a hollow tube, becoming a preliminary circulation. Within a week, the tube formed a curve, where the first contraction took place and a few weeks later, from that tube, the embryo's heart formed. So far, science has not yet understood the process of shaping the curves of early stubs.

Researchers at the Center for Molecular Medicine called Max Delbrück (Germany) describe for the first time this developmental stage of the heart. Scientists conducted a series of experiments with zebrafish (Danio rerio) to determine the curves in the tube to form the ventricles and the atria of the heart in the future. It turns out, there are special cells responsible for the formation of curves. These cells bind to the cells of the primary tube and pull them to the required location.

The researchers found that this process controls a series of chemical reactions and identifies the key genes it controls, namely Fzd7a and Vangl2. If these genes are interrupted, the heart will form with abnormalities.

In addition, the researchers determined that stretching of the hollow tissue itself plays an important role in heart formation. If the tube is not big enough, the curves cannot form. Thanks to a reaction chain, it is possible to control the stretching of the primary tube, which determines the activity of the cells pulling the tube into curves.

According to scientists, their research will help better understand the cause of congenital heart disease and find a way to stop them.