GATA factors in Drosophila heart and blood cell development

GATA transcription factors comprise an evolutionarily conserved family of proteins that function in the specification and differentiation of various cell types during animal development. In this review, we examine current knowledge of the structure, expression, and function of the Pannier and Serpent GATA factors as they relate to cardiogenesis and hematopoiesis in the Drosophila system. We also assess the molecular and genetic characteristics of the Friend of GATA protein U-shaped, which serves as a regulator of Pannier and Serpent function in these two developmental processes.