Defects in heart valve cilia during fetal development cause mitral valve prolapse

(Medical University of South Carolina) Genetic mutations in heart valve cells of the developing fetus lead to mitral valve prolapse, report a global collaborative of researchers, including Medical University of South Carolina investigators, in today's Science Translational Medicine. These mutations or genetic variations cause defects in antenna-like cellular structures called primary cilia. This finding of a developmental cause for the disease highlights the importance of early intervention and may lead to the rethinking of treatment guidelines.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news