Ercc1 DNA repair deficiency results in vascular aging characterized by VSMC phenotype switching, ECM remodeling, and an increased stress response.

ABSTRACT: Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death globally. The most important determinant of cardiovascular health is a person's age. Aging results in structural changes and functional decline of the cardiovascular system. DNA damage is an important contributor to the aging process, and mice with a DNA repair defect caused by Ercc1 deficiency display hypertension, vascular stiffening, and loss of vasomotor control. To determine the underlying cause, we compared important hallmarks of vascular aging in aortas of both Ercc1^Δ/- and age-matched wildtype mice. Additionally, we investigated vascular aging in 104 week old wildtype mice. Ercc1^Δ/- aortas displayed arterial thickening, a loss of cells, and a discontinuous endothelial layer. Aortas of 24 week old Ercc1<

SUBMITTER: van der Linden J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11113264 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature