Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
06:08
Ultrasound Imaging of the Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta in Mice to Determine Aneurysm Dimensions
Published on: March 8, 2019
Transforming growth factor-β and abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Yutang Wang1, Smriti Krishna, Philip J Walker
1The Vascular Biology Unit, Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
Summary
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) appears to protect against abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) by reducing inflammation and cell death. Further research is needed to clarify TGFβ's distinct roles in thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Area of Science:
- Vascular biology and cardiovascular research
- Molecular mechanisms of aneurysm development
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are prevalent in older adults and can lead to rupture and death.
- Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) is linked to thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) but may inhibit AAA development.
- Genetic variations in TGFβ signaling are associated with AAA in human populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of TGFβ in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).
- To explore the potential of the TGFβ signaling pathway as a therapeutic target for AAA.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on TGFβ in AAA and TAA.
- Analysis of experimental animal models of AAA.
- Examination of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in AAA pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Experimental evidence indicates TGFβ protects against AAA formation, progression, and rupture in animal models.
- TGFβ reduces aortic inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation, and vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis in AAA models.
- Contrasting roles of TGFβ in TAA development versus AAA inhibition are suggested.
Conclusions:
- TGFβ signaling plays a protective role in abdominal aortic aneurysms, contrary to its role in thoracic aortic aneurysms.
- TGFβ signaling components represent a potential therapeutic target for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- Further research is required to fully elucidate the distinct functions of TGFβ in different types of aortic aneurysms.
Related Concept Videos
01:16TGF - β Signaling Pathway
The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors are of three kinds RI, RII, and RIII. The RI...
01:24Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits. Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylase and factor...
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
01:30Aneurysm I: Introduction
An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...