Critical Role of Cytosolic DNA and Its Sensing Adaptor STING in Aortic Degeneration, Dissection, and Rupture.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sporadic aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD), caused by progressive aortic smooth muscle cell (SMC) loss and extracellular matrix degradation, is a highly lethal condition. Identifying mechanisms that drive aortic degeneration is a crucial step in developing an effective pharmacologic treatment to prevent disease progression. Recent evidence has indicated that cytosolic DNA and abnormal activation of the cytosolic DNA sensing adaptor STING (stimulator of interferon genes) play a critical role in vascular inflammation and destruction. Here, we examined the involvement of this mechanism in aortic degeneration and sporadic AAD formation.

Methods

The presence of cytosolic DNA in aortic cells and activation of the STING pathway were examined in aortic tissues from pat

SUBMITTER: Luo W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6939474 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature