Notch Signaling and Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

Lay Summary: The funding provided by the Saving tiny Hearts Society has been invaluable in supporting our research efforts in understanding the molecular basis of ascending aortic aneurysms. We have used this funding to describe a mouse model of ascending aortic aneurysms that involves mutation of the gene, NOTCH1, which is a genetic etiology for congenital heart defects in humans (manuscript submitted for publication). In addition, we are now investigating the mechanisms by which loss of NOTCH1 leads to weakening of the aortic wall.