Deletion of Fstl1 (Follistatin-Like 1) From the Endocardial/Endothelial Lineage Causes Mitral Valve Disease

Abstract

We report on a mouse model in which deletion of Fstl1 from the endocardial/endothelial lineage results in deformed mitral valves, which cause regurgitation, heart failure, and early cardiac death. The findings provide a potential molecular target for the clinical research into myxomatous mitral valve disease.