IN VITRO METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING THORACIC AORTIC ANEURYSMS (TAA) IN A SUBJECT.

Abstract

The present invention refers to a method for the prevention or the treatment of a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) in a subject, comprising administering a blocker of a new identified target of the nitric oxide (NO)¿methalloproteinase pathway. In addition, the invention further provides an in vitro method wherein specific biomarkers are used for identifying human subjects at risk of developing a disease causing thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). This method comprises measuring the expression pattern or level of specific NO¿metalloproteinase pathway components and the expression pattern of some metalloproteinase substrates. Lastly, the present invention refers to screening methods for identifying compounds useful for the treatment, prevention or inhibition of a TAA. This invention apply to patients suffering from (i) bicuspid aortic valve; (ii) a syndromic thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) such as Marfan Syndrome (MFS), vascular Ehlers Danlos, Loeys Dietz Syndrome (Types 1 and 2), and Familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (familial TAAD); (iii) a non¿syndromic TAA; or (iv) any other disease associated with an aortopathy triggered by the metalloproteinase deficiency described in the invention and based on the results obtained by the inventors which represent a substantial advance in understanding of the pathogenesis and molecular mediators underlying aortic diseases