In this Review, the authors discuss the pathological mechanisms involved in thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs), including extracellular matrix homeostasis, transforming growth factor-β signalling, and vascular smooth muscle cell contractility. The understanding of TAA genetics might not only help to characterize the aetiology of more complex forms of this disease, but can also lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies and patient management.
- Aline Verstraeten
- Ilse Luyckx
- Bart Loeys
