Identifying and targeting the molecular signature of smooth muscle cells undergoing early vascular ageing.

Early vascular ageing (EVA) is a pathological phenomenon whereby the vascular system ages more quickly than chronological age. This underpins many cardiovascular diseases including the complications of type 2 diabetes, aneurysm formation and hypertension. Smooth muscle cells (SMC) are the principal cell type in the vascular wall and maintain vascular tone. EVA-related phenotypic switching of these cells contributes towards disease progression. EVA is distinct from chronological ageing, and research is ongoing to identify a definitive molecular signature of EVA. This will facilitate the discovery of new clinical tests for early detection of EVA and identify therapeutic targets to halt (or prevent) EVA in SMC, thus reducing macrovascular morbidity and mortality.