Transcription regulation by TBX18 in smooth muscle cells is essential for normal aortic development and homeostasis.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

This study investigated whether TBX18, a transcription factor known for its critical roles in cardiovascular and urogenital development, but never previously studied in the context of the aorta, contributes to the normal development and homeostasis of this major artery.

Methods and results

Histological analyses revealed Tbx18 expression in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of the adult and embryonic aorta. Following this observation, transgenic mouse models were used to promote ablation of Tbx18 in SMCs from early embryogenesis or in adulthood. Phenotypes were assessed by quantitative imaging and histological analyses. Embryonic conditional ablation of Tbx18 resulted in severe aortic malformations and lethality, whereas adult ablation resulted in milder phenotypes. However, wh

SUBMITTER: Mukherjee D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12687880 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature