Association of smooth muscle cell phenotypes with extracellular matrix disorders in thoracic aortic dissection

Thoracic aortic dissection is a catastrophic event involving the aorta. Our study has revealed that smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching in the aortic media is involved in extracellular matrix disorders and thus may impair the structure and the mechanical properties of the aortic wall and contribute to initiating dissection. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies for maintaining the contractile phenotype of aortic smooth muscle cells may be useful to prevent the formation of thoracic aortic dissection.