 This study investigated the effects of varying stretch rates on the mechanical properties of aortic valve interstitial cells, Havocs. It found that lower stretch rates resulted in greater polymerization of vimantin fibers, while higher stretch rates resulted in greater polymerization of alpha-smooth muscle actin, alpha-SMA fibers. Additionally, it was discovered that these changes in fiber polymerization correlated with changes in the nuclear shape and size of the avocs. Furthermore, the study showed that the rate of stretch had a significant effect on the activity of the SMAD2-3 pathway, which regulates gene expression and plays a role in the development of heart diseases such as aortic stenosis. This suggests that the rate of stretch has a direct impact on the mechanical properties of avocs, which could be used to better understand the progression of aortic stenosis. This article was authored by Tony M. West, Daniel P. Hausman, Miles W. Maceda, and others. We are article.tv. Links in the description below.