Heart Development

This book examines recent studies revealing that the same genes are responsible for development of parallel features between species, and that the heart develops similarly across all species. It includes research being conducted concerning cardiac development, tissue interaction, and organ formation. The text attempts to provide a greater understanding of the underlying causes of heart failure, heart muscle diseases, congenital malformations, and other heart diseases and defects.

Key Features* Each chapter has been solicited from a recognized leader in the field, and covers a topic of active research in cardiovascular biology* Chapters incorporate a review of classical findings with comprehensive coverage of the latest advances* Abundant color plates in a consistent and professional artistic style provide clear and attractive illustrations of central concepts* Color slides of illustrations for seminars or teaching purposes are available with each volume

The development of the cardiovascular system is an exciting and rapidly advancing area of biomedical research, powered by an urgent necessity to reduce the incidence of human cardiovascular disease. It is becoming increasingly clear that many of the congenital pathologies affecting the adult heart will be best understood by tracing their origins in embryonic development. The recent fusion of classical embryology with modern molecular genetics has resulted in an explosion of information about the developing heart in a variety of organisms. A comprehensive knowledge of the control circuitry in the cardiovascular system will form the basis for future advances in genetic therapy and organ culture.
Heart Development presents a collection of chapters written by experts in the field, who describe their current insights into the molecular basis of cardiovascular development. The subject matter from the lineage origins and morphogenesis of the developing cardiovascular system, through genetic dissection of cardiovascular development in a variety of model organism, to the molecular basis of congenital heart defects. Its broad scope will appeal to the generalist or teacher seeking an overview of the subject, while also providing clinicians and medical researchers with comprehensive coverage of the most recent advances.