The Mechanisms of Notch-dependent Aortic Valve Calcification

Abstract

Objective: Aortic valve (AV) calcification is the major cause of aortic stenosis viewed as severe heart failure. Calcification was earlier believed to be a passive degenerative process, however it is now recognized as an active pathogenic process driven by the cells native to the aortic valve: valvular interstitial (VICs) and endothelial (VECs) cells. Notch signaling pathway is important for development of aortic valve cusps. It also participates in intercellular communications and tissue integrity maintenance during postnatal life. Mutations in Notch pathway genes are associated with calcification of AV, but the exact mechanisms remain largely unknown.The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of Notch signaling pathway in human aortic valve calcification.