Previously unknown protein plays a key role in a congenital malformation of the heart

Through experiments on genetically modified mice, a team led by Ursula Quitterer, Professor of Molecular Pharmacology at ETH Zurich, determined which molecular switches are involved and how they need to be thrown to halt the malformations that damage the heart. One day, these insights could benefit people suffering from tetralogy of Fallot, provided substances are found that are capable of targeting and inhibiting BBLN or its interactions with other proteins. Quitterer and her team have already started searching for such substances.