FIGURE 1.

Overview of vSMC functions, stressors influencing vSMC functions and disturbed processes within vSMC during AA and AD development and progression. Apoptosis, phenotypic switch, ECM regeneration and degradation, proliferation and contractility are important functions of vSMC in the aortic wall. Dysregulation of these vSMC functions by infiltrative inflammatory cells and (epi)genetic factors can contribute to AA and AD formation. These pathological conditions activate adaptive responses within vSMC, such as changes in TGF‐β signalling and regulatory RNA expression. Abbreviations: AA, aortic aneurysm; AD, aortic dissection; ECM, extracellular matrix; RNA, ribonucleic acid; TGF‐β, transforming growth factor β; vSMC, vascular smooth muscle cell. Elements were modified from Servier Medical Art, licensed under a Creative Common Attribution 3.0 Generic License. https://smart.servier.com/; https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/