Smad4 Deficiency in Smooth Muscle Cells Initiates the Formation of Aortic Aneurysm

Abstract

The findings reveal that Smad4-dependent TGF-β signaling in SMCs protects against aortic aneurysm formation and dissection. The data also suggest important implications for novel therapeutic strategies to limit the progression of the aneurysm resulting from TGF-β signaling loss-of-function mutations.