Embryonic Heterogeneity of Smooth Muscle Cells in the Complex Mechanisms of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are the major cell type of the aortic wall and play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). TAAs occur in a region-specific manner with the proximal region being a common location. In this region, SMCs are derived embryonically from either the cardiac neural crest or the second heart field. These cells of distinct origins reside in specific locations and exhibit different biological behaviors in the complex mechanism of TAAs. The purpose of this review is to enhance understanding of the embryonic heterogeneity of SMCs in the proximal thoracic aorta and their functions in TAAs.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1618
JournalGenes
Volume13
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 by the authors.

Keywords

  • aneurysm
  • aorta
  • cardiac neural crest
  • second heart field
  • smooth muscle
  • thoracic aorta

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics
  • Genetics(clinical)

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