The extracellular matrix during heart development.

The embryonic extracellular matrix, which is comprised of glycosaminoglycans, glycoproteins, collagens, and proteoglycans, is believed to play multiple roles during heart morphogenesis. Some of these ECM components appear throughout development, however, certain molecules exhibit an interesting transient spatial and temporal distribution. Due to significant new data that have been gathered predominantly in the past 10 years, a comprehensive review of the literature is needed. The intent of this review is to highlight work that addresses mechanisms by which extracellular matrix influences vertebrate heart development.