The overarching goal of this SCCOR is to improve the prevention, detection, treatment, and outcomes of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). The component projects, three clinical (Projects 1, 2, and 3) and three basic (Projects 4, 5, and 6), represent diverse but intersecting approaches toward this central objective. The overall goal of Project 5 is to elucidate the molecular pathways involving the cardiac transcription factor Nkx2.5 (also called Csx). in the etiology of TOF and in the response of the ventricle to hemodynamic load in relevant mouse models. This project will further the understanding of the molecular mechanism of cardiac development, the pathogenesis of heart disease and genetic factors that may affect the postnatal outcome in human through the study of this transcription factor.
