title: Genetics of congenital heart defects: a candidate gene approach.
abstract: By using a candidate gene approach, we have identified novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms specific to patients diagnosed with atrioventricular valve and septum defects. Here we discuss how the gene products, in which these polymorphisms were found, functionally interact to regulate endocardial cushion formation during embryo development. These findings support a model in which mutations in different genes but regulating the same process can cause or make one more susceptible to developing atrioventricular valve and septum defects.
authors.affiliation: Hubrecht Institute, KNAW & University Medical Center, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Anne Karine
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Lagendijk
authors.forename: Kelly A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Jeroen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bakkers
mesh_terms: D049109:Cell Proliferation; D054089:Endocardial Cushions; D004699:Endocardium / Q000196:embryology*; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000235:genetics; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000235:genetics*; D006345:Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D008957:Models, Genetic; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / Q000235:genetics*; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D006820:Hyaluronic Acid