Genetic and Developmental Basis of Cardiovascular Malformations

Clin Perinatol. 2016 Mar;43(1):39-53. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2015.11.002.

Abstract

Cardiovascular malformations (CVMs) are the most common birth defect, occurring in 1% to 5% of all live births. Genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors all influence the development of CVMs, and an improved understanding of the causation of CVMs is a prerequisite for prevention. Cardiac development is a complex, multistep process of morphogenesis that is under genetic regulation. Although the genetic contribution to CVMs is well recognized, the genetic causes of human CVMs are still identified infrequently. This article discusses the key genetic concepts characterizing human CVMs, their developmental basis, and the critical developmental and genetic concepts underlying their pathogenesis.

Keywords: Congenital heart defects; Congenital heart disease; Development; Gene dosage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Abnormalities / embryology
  • Cardiovascular Abnormalities / genetics
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Gene Dosage
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Genotype
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / embryology
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Phenotype