Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections Series: Part II

Aortic structure and function are controlled by the coordinated actions of different aortic cells and the extracellular matrix. Several pathways have been identified that control the aortic wall in a cell-type–specific manner and play diverse roles in various phases of aortic injury, repair, and remodeling. This complexity of signaling in the aortic wall poses challenges to the development of therapeutic strategies for treating aortic aneurysms and dissections. Here, in part II of this Recent Highlights series on aortic aneurysms and dissections, we will summarize recent studies published inArteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology that have contributed to our knowledge of the signaling pathway–related mechanisms of aortic aneurysms and dissections.