Disruption of Notch1 and Gata5 in Mice Leads to Congenital Aortic Valve Disease

Here, we describe Notch1;Gata5 compound mutant mice as a novel mouse model of highly penetrant congenital aortic valve disease displaying bicuspid aortic valve and progressive aortic valve stenosis. Further, we find downregulation of smooth muscle genes in the neonatal aortic valves in Notch1;Gata5 compound mice consistent with an immature valve phenotype. Our findings demonstrate a novel genetic interaction between Notch1 and Gata5 in mice that is critical for proper aortic valve development. This novel model is an important tool to define dysregulated signaling pathways for congenital aortic valve stenosis and stenotic disease progression that can be investigated as therapeutic targets.