AA9. Macrophage-Derived Netrin 1 Promotes Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms by Activating Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) fragmentation and sustained inflammation are hallmarks of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). However, the mechanisms by which these events are coupled, thereby fueling focal vascular damage, are undefined. We have previously demonstrated critical immunoregulatory functions of the neuronal guidance cue netrin 1 in regulating macrophage accumulation in the vasculature. Here, we investigate the novel role of netrin 1 in the pathogenesis of AAA and test the hypothesis that netrin 1 mediates crosstalk between infiltrating macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), thereby promoting ECM degradation in AAA.

Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery - October 22, 2018 Category: Surgery Authors: Michele Silvestro, Tarik Hadi, Ludovic Boytard, Dornaszadat Alebrahim, Glenn R. Jacobowitz, Bhama Ramkhelawon Source Type: research