Inhibition of the mTOR pathway in abdominal aortic aneurysm: implications of smooth muscle cell contractile phenotype, inflammation, and aneurysm expansion

This study provides novel observations that mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is overactivated in aortic smooth muscle cells and contributes to mouse abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and that rapamycin protects against aneurysm development. Our data highlight the importance of preservation and/or restoration of the smooth muscle cell contractile phenotype and reduction of inflammation by mTOR inhibition in AAA.

Source: AJP: Heart and Circulatory Physiology - June 1, 2017 Category: Cardiology Authors: Li, G., Qin, L., Wang, L., Li, X., Caulk, A. W., Zhang, J., Chen, P.-Y., Xin, S. Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research