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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

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Murine Model of Thoracic Aortic Dissection Induced by Oral β-Aminopropionitrile and Subcutaneous Angiotensin II Infusion
Published on: May 16, 2025
MYLK Variants of Uncertain Significance as Risk Factors for Aortic Dissection
Chanseo Lee1, Sedem Dankwa1, Michela Cupo1
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
JACC. Case Reports
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Genetic variants in MYLK (myosin light chain kinase) may increase aortic dissection risk, even at smaller diameters. These findings suggest earlier screening and genetic testing for MYLK variants.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Genetics
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Myosin light chain kinase (MYLK) variants of uncertain significance (VUS) are not currently actionable.
- MYLK is crucial for vascular smooth muscle contractility.
- Pathogenic MYLK variants are linked to aortic dissection at smaller aortic diameters.
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