We recognize that further studies need to be performed to elucidate the causal relationships between MUC1 and the other differentially expressed genes in the TGF-β pathway, however, using genetically identical PDA cells that had MUC1 knocked down or MUC1 overexpressed, we have addressed the causal relationship between MUC1 and TGF-β signaling. This evidence concerns the gene TGFB1 and Patent ductus arteriosus.