Role of Protein Phosphatase 2A in Aortic Aneurysm

Project Narrative Research over the last couple of decades has advanced our understanding of the pathobiology of aortic aneurysm, however the underlying molecular mechanisms that lead to the development of the clinical manifestations of aortic aneurysm/dissection remain not fully elucidated. Consequently, it is not surprising that specific pharmacotherapies have not been forthcoming. Our preliminary studies indicate that activation of a genetic factor termed protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) could potently inhibit the progression of aortic aneurysm. Studies in this proposal aim to further characterize the inhibitory effects of PP2A activation in the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm and dissection. Results gleaned from our studies may facilitate the development of novel therapies to ameliorate the ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm progression.