CX43 GAP-JUNCTIONS IN CARDIAC DEVELOPMENT

Studies utilizing knockout and transgenic mouse models revealed an imp ortant role for connexin 43 (Cx43) gap junctions in cardiac developmen t.. This may involve a quantitative requirement for gap junctions in m odulating the development of cardiac crest cells. In addition, studies in humans and Xenopus indicate that Cx43 gap junctions also may play a role in regulating heart laterality. Together, these findings indica te that the perturbation of Cx43 function could play a significant rol e in specific congenital heart malformations. (C) 1998, Elsevier Scien ce Inc.