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Focal Adhesion Kinase Drives Rho/ROCK and mTOR Signaling to Protect and Augment Aortic Dissections.

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Dysfunctional mechanosensing in focal adhesions (FAs) drives thoracic aortic dissection. FA kinase, Rho/ROCK, and mTOR pathways have distinct roles in ascending versus descending dissections, with mTOR being pathogenic in the ascending aorta.

Keywords:
Rho/ROCKaortic dissectionextracellular matrixfocal adhesion kinaselysyl oxidasemTOR

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Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Cellular Mechanotransduction
  • Aortic Disease Research

Background:

  • Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a life-threatening condition.
  • Mechanosensing through focal adhesions (FAs) is crucial for cellular integrity.
  • Dysregulation of FA-mediated signaling is implicated in vascular pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of mechanosensing and specific signaling pathways in a mouse model of thoracic aortic dissection.
  • To elucidate the distinct contributions of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Rho/ROCK, and mTOR signaling in ascending versus descending aortic dissections.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) induced mouse model of thoracic aortic dissection.
  • Analyzed the activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Rho/ROCK, and mTOR signaling pathways.
  • Differentiated the roles of these pathways in ascending and descending aorta segments.

Main Results:

  • Dysfunctional mechanosensing via FAs significantly contributes to TAD in the BAPN mouse model.
  • FAK activation initiates downstream Rho/ROCK and mTOR signaling cascades.
  • Rho/ROCK signaling in smooth muscle cells acts protectively in the ascending aorta, preventing dissection.
  • mTOR signaling is pathogenic and promotes dissections in the ascending aorta.

Conclusions:

  • Mechanosensing through focal adhesions is a critical determinant of thoracic aortic dissection.
  • Rho/ROCK and mTOR signaling pathways exhibit opposing roles in ascending aortic dissection.
  • Targeting specific signaling pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating aortic dissections.