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Pericytes: Biomarkers and Roles in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Theodora M Stougiannou1, Dimos Karangelis1

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University General Hospital, Democritus University of Thrace, 68132 Alexandroupolis, Greece.

Genes
|May 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) involves changes in the aorta's outer layer, specifically pericytes. Dysregulation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling contributes to these pericyte changes and vasa vasorum remodeling, promoting TAA development.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Aortic Disease Research

Background:

  • The aorta, the body's largest artery, maintains function through its three layers and diverse cell types.
  • The tunica adventitia contains vasa vasorum (microvessels) composed of pericytes and endothelial cells (ECs), supplying the outer aortic wall.
  • Dysregulation within the perivascular niche of the tunica adventitia can lead to thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent literature on marker gene expression in tunica adventitia pericytes.
  • To evaluate the role of these pericyte populations in the development of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA).

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of existing scientific literature.
  • Analysis of gene expression markers in aortic pericytes.
  • Examination of pericyte contributions to TAA pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Pericytes in TAA exhibit significant phenotypic alterations.
  • Loss of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling may drive these pericyte changes.
  • Vasa vasorum remodeling in the thoracic aorta is associated with these pericyte alterations.

Conclusions:

  • Pericyte phenotypic changes and vasa vasorum remodeling are implicated in TAA development.
  • Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways are potential key regulators in TAA pathogenesis.
  • Targeting pericyte function and signaling may offer therapeutic strategies for TAA.

Keywords:
adventitialaneurysmaortabiologycardiovasculargenespericytephysiologythoracic aortic

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