Rigsbee Scholarship: The Role of BMAL1 in Aortic Aneurysm Formation

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a syndrome characterized by permanent dilation of the aorta at the level of the abdomen. To be considered an AAA, the diameter of the aorta wall must be greater than 50% of its normal length. AAA is often asymptomatic until an acute presentation of dissecting AAA. This results when the aorta wall is compromised resulting in massive hemorrhage and subsequent lethal shock. Pathologic dissection among patients with AAA is not a rare event and is a cause of major concern. Currently there is no curative therapy for AAA, and in the setting of dissection the only life saving intervention is surgical repair. Even with surgical repair the rate of mortality may be as much as 50%. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanics behind AAA formation is an urgent matter to begin identifying targeted therapies.