[HTML][HTML] Evidence of Aortopathy in Mice with Haploinsufficiency of Notch1 in Nos3-Null Background

SN Koenig, KM Bosse, HA Nadorlik, B Lilly… - Journal of cardiovascular …, 2015 - mdpi.com
SN Koenig, KM Bosse, HA Nadorlik, B Lilly, V Garg
Journal of cardiovascular development and disease, 2015mdpi.com
Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in
humans. While the exact etiology is unknown, genetic factors play an important role.
Mutations in NOTCH1 have been linked to bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and aortopathy in
humans. The aim of this study was to determine if haploinsufficiency of Notch1 contributes to
aortopathy using Notch1+/−; Nos3−/− mice. Echocardiographic analysis of Notch1+/−;
Nos3−/− mice reveals effacement of the sinotubular junction and a trend toward dilation of …
Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in humans. While the exact etiology is unknown, genetic factors play an important role. Mutations in NOTCH1 have been linked to bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and aortopathy in humans. The aim of this study was to determine if haploinsufficiency of Notch1 contributes to aortopathy using Notch1+/−; Nos3−/− mice. Echocardiographic analysis of Notch1+/−; Nos3−/− mice reveals effacement of the sinotubular junction and a trend toward dilation of the aortic sinus. Furthermore, examination of the proximal aorta of Notch1+/−; Nos3−/− mice reveals elastic fiber degradation, a trend toward increased matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression, and increased smooth muscle cell apoptosis, features characteristic of aneurysmal disease. Although at a lower penetrance, we also found features consistent with aortopathic changes in Notch1 heterozygote mice and in Nos3-null mice. Our findings implicate a novel role for Notch1 in aortopathy of the proximal aorta.
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