FGF-16 is required for embryonic heart development.
Fibroblast growth factor 16 (FGF-16) expression has previously been detected in mouse heart at mid-gestation in the endocardium and epicardium, suggesting a role in embryonic heart development. More specifically, exogenously applied FGF-16 has been shown to stimulate growth of embryonic myocardial cells in tissue explants. We have generated mice lacking FGF-16 by targeting the Fgf16 locus on the X chromosome. Elimination of Fgf16 expression resulted in embryonic death as early as day 11.5 (E11.5). External abnormalities, including hemorrhage in the heart and ventral body region as well as facial defects, began to appear in null embryos from E11.5. Morphological analysis of FGF-16 null hearts revealed cardiac defects including chamber dilation, thinning of the atrial and ventricular walls, and poor trabeculation, which were visible at E10.5 and more pronounced at E11.5. These findings indicate FGF-16 is required for embryonic heart development in mid-gestation through its positive effect on myocardial growth.
Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba, 730 William Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E3J7, Canada.
Shun Yan
SY
Lu
Farah
F
Sheikh
Patricia C
PC
Sheppard
Agnes
A
Fresnoza
Mary Lynn
ML
Duckworth
Karen A
KA
Detillieux
Peter A
PA
Cattini
D000818:Animals; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000235:genetics; D020964:Embryo Loss / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics*; D018390:Gene Targeting; D006321:Heart / Q000196:embryology*; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D014960:X Chromosome / Q000235:genetics
C484686:Fgf16 protein, mouse; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors