Cardiac expression of 52β, an alternative transcript of the congenital heart block‐associated 52‐kd SS‐A/Ro autoantigen, is maximal during fetal development

Abstract

Since expression of the alternative product 52beta is maximal at the time of cardiac ontogeny when maternal antibodies gain access to the fetal circulation, just prior to the clinical detection of bradyarrhythmia, a role for 52beta in the development of CHB is implicated. Although other fetal tissues express 52beta, there may be differences in accessibility of antigen or regenerative capacities.