Developmental defects in the cardiac outflow tract (OFT) cause many common human congenital heart diseases, including DiGeorge syndrome. Tbx1, a T-box transcription factor, is involved in the pathogenesis of this syndrome but a specific role for Tbx1 in OFT morphogenesis has not been established. Now, Xu et al. show that Tbx1 has a dual role in OFT development (see p. 3217). By studying genetically modified and conditional mouse mutants of Tbx1, the researchers show that correct separation of the aorta and pulmonary arteries in the OFT requires Tbx1 function. This function also regulates OFT growth by supporting cell proliferation in the secondary heart field (SHF) – the source of cells that form the OFT. This is the first indication that a genetic defect related to human congenital heart disease directly affects SHF function and suggests that SHF malfunction may underlie other heart defects.
The Company of Biologists Workshops
For the last 15 years, our publisher, The Company of Biologists, has provided an apt environment to inspire biology and support biologists through our Workshops series. Read about the evolution of the Workshop series and revisit JEB's experience with hosting the first Global South Workshop.
Call for papers – Lifelong Development: the Maintenance, Regeneration and Plasticity of Tissues
Development invites you to submit your latest research to our upcoming special issue – Lifelong Development: the Maintenance, Regeneration and Plasticity of Tissues. This issue will be coordinated by Guest Editors Meritxell Huch (Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Germany) and Mansi Srivastava (Harvard University and Museum of Comparative Zoology, USA), working alongside our team of academic Editors. Submit your articles by 30 May 2025.
Meet our 2025 Pathway to Independence (PI) fellows
We are delighted to announce our third cohort of PI fellows - researchers whom we will be supporting as they transition from postdoc to Principal Investigator. Read about the eight talented fellows chosen, whom we're excited to be working with as they navigate the job market.
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