Genetic Cause of Heart Valve Defects Identified

"Creld1" is found to be the key gene for the development of heart valves in mice. This discovery is an important step forward in the molecular understanding of the pathogenesis of heart valve defects. The findings have been published in the journal "iDevelopmental Cell/i". Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is a congenital heart defect in which the heart valves and cardiac septum are malformed. Children with Down's syndrome are particularly affected. Without ...