Objective: Aortic valve (AV) leaflets rely on a precise extracellular matrix (ECM) microarchitecture for appropriate biomechanical performance. The ECM structure is maintained by valvular interstitial cells (VICs). which reside within the leaflets. The presence of pigment produced by a melanocytic population of VICs in mice with dark coats has been generally regarded as a nuisance. https://www.tourettebrewing.com/