Figure 1
Figure 2
We have also characterized the expression of TH in cardiac mesoderm and in the auricular region later, in embryonic stages prior to innervation. We have demonstrated that, possibly through dopamine, catecholamines participate in the formation and regionalization of the cardiac chambers, with an effect opposite to that of proinsulin (Figure 1).
A novel function of TH/catecholamines in pancreas development is under study now. The cell subpopulation that expresses TH in the mouse embryonic pancreas coincides with a group of endocrine cells which express glucagon (Figure 2). The presence of TH in these development phases appears to be required for the insulin secreting cell precursors achieving normal differentiation (Figure 2).
Martínez-Campos E / Hernández-San Miguel E, López-Sánchez C, de Pablo F, Hernández-Sánchez C [2013] Alternative splicing variants of proinsulin mRNA and the effects of excess proinsulin on cardiac morphogenesis. FEBS Letters 587: 2272-2277.
López-Sánchez C, Bártulos O, Martínez-Campos E, Gañán C, Valenciano AI, García-Martínez V, De Pablo F, Hernández-Sánchez C [2010] Tyrosine hydroxylase is expressed during early heart development and is required for cardiac chamber formation. Cardiovasc Res 88:111-120. Editorial Comment: Thomas Brandt. Exciting news: Catecholamines in induction and regionalization of the heart.
Hernández-Sánchez C, Mansilla A, de Pablo F, Zardoya R [2008] Evolution of the insulin receptor. Mol Biol Evol 25:1043-1053
Coordinator: Catalina Hernández-Sánchez
Participants: Patricia Vázquez, Ana Mª Robles, Cayetana Murillo and Flora de Pablo