Embryonic Heterogeneity of Smooth Muscle Cells in the Complex Mechanisms of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
Sohei Ito, Hong S Lu, Alan Daugherty, Hisashi Sawada
Originally Published September 22nd, 2022: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/13/9/1618
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.