Int. J. Dev. Biol. 50: 323 - 332 (2006)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.052045lt

Vol 50, Issue 2-3

Special Issue: Developmental Morphodynamics

Biophysical mechanisms of cardiac looping

Open Access | Published: 15 February 2006

Larry A. Taber*

Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA

Abstract

During early embryogenesis, the heart is a single, relatively straight tube which bends and twists (loops) rightward to create the basic plan of the mature heart. Despite intensive study for many decades, the biophysical mechanisms which drive and regulate cardiac looping have remained poorly understood. This review discusses, from a historical perspective, studies of looping mechanics and various theories which have been proposed for this complex process. Then, based on recently acquired data, a new biomechanical hypothesis is proposed for the rst phase of looping (c-looping). Understanding morphogenetic mechanisms would facilitate research devoted to preventing and treating congenital heart malformations caused by looping abnormalities.

Keywords

cardiac morphogenesis, heart development, left-right asymmetry, biomechanics