Preferential Activation of SMAD1/5/8 on the Fibrosa Endothelium in Calcified Human Aortic Valves - Association with Low BMP Antagonists and SMAD6

Abstract

SMAD-1/5/8 is preferentially activated in the calcified fibrosa endothelium of human AVs and it correlates with low expression of BMP antagonists and inhibitory SMAD6. These results suggest a dominant role of BMP antagonists in the side-dependent calcification of human AVs.