In particular, we are interested in the role of transcription factors that appear to be essential in the earliest decision making events such as members of the tinman and GATA families of transcription factors. Other interests include determining the function of genes that may play a role in later cardiac function, in particular muscle LIM protein and the mechanisms of establishing the left-right asymmetry of the heart. Evidence for a conserved role in cardiac development. Effects of locally applied retinoic acid on Xenopus laevis development. Developmental Biology 162, 394-401.
Retinoic acid can block differentiation of the myocardium after heart specification.