The aortic wall is composed of highly dynamic cell populations and extracellular matrix. In response to changes in the biomechanical environment, aortic cells and extracellular matrix modulate their structure and functions to increase aortic wall strength and meet the hemodynamic demand. Compromise in the structural and functional integrity of aortic components leads to aortic degeneration, biomechanical failure, and the development of aortic aneurysms and dissections (AAD). A better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of AAD will facilitate the development of effective medications to treat these conditions. Here, we summarize recent findings on AAD published in ATVB. In this issue, we focus on the dynamics of aortic cells and extracellular matrix in AAD; in the next issue, we will focus on the role of signaling pathways in AAD.

中文翻译：

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主动脉瘤和夹层系列。

主动脉壁由高度动态的细胞群和细胞外基质组成。响应于生物力学环境的变化，主动脉细胞和细胞外基质调节其结构和功能以增加主动脉壁强度并满足血液动力学需求。主动脉组件的结构和功能完整性受损会导致主动脉变性，生物力学衰竭以及主动脉瘤和夹层（AAD）的发展。更好地了解AAD的分子发病机制将有助于开发有效的药物来治疗这些疾病。在这里，我们总结了ATVB发表的有关AAD的最新发现。在本期中，我们重点研究AAD中主动脉细胞和细胞外基质的动力学；在下一期中，我们将重点介绍信号通路在AAD中的作用。