A genetic model for cardiac pattern formation and cell fate determination

The Drosophila heart shares many embryological and molecular similarities with those of vertebrates despite the morphological differences of the final products. For example, their mesodermal origin and initial assembly into a linear heart tube are comparable in many respects. Moreover, numerous gene functions have been identified that are utilized by both vertebrates and Drosophila for the specification and differentiation of the heart progenitor cells. Because of the simplicity in structure and the wealth of genetic tools available, the Drosophila heart has emerged as a pioneering model system for elucidating the molecular basis of heart development.