We found a 92 and 72% increase in syndecan-4 mRNA and protein levels, respectively, in patients with aortic stenosis, with a corresponding 21% reduction in pS179-syndecan-4/total syndecan-4 ratio and a 197% increase in RCAN1-4 mRNA (Fig. 7 A–C), indicating a state that favors calcineurin-NFAT activation in the hypertrophic human heart. The gene discussed is SDC4; the disease is aortic stenosis.