Epicardium and Myocardium Separate From a Common Precursor Pool by Crosstalk Between Bone Morphogenetic Protein– and Fibroblast Growth Factor–Signaling Pathways

摘要

RationaleThe epicardium contributes to the majority of nonmyocardial cells in the adult heart. Recent studies have reported that the epicardium is derived from Nkx2.5-positive progenitors and can differentiate into cardiomyocytes. Not much is known about the relation between the myocardial and epicardial lineage during development, whereas insights into these embryonic mechanisms could facilitate the design of future regenerative strategies.