B08-Importance of hyaluronan-rich extracellular matrix for haematopoiesis, inflammation and structural remodelling in aortic aneurysms

Genetic deletion of hyaluronan synthase 3 (HAS3) improves survival in a model of Angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms and dissections (AAA/AAD) due to reduced vessel ruptures in Apoe-/-/Has3-/- mice. Besides, no thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) were detected in the absence of HAS3 – an observation which indicates site-specific differences in the underlying HA-related pathomechanisms along the anatomical course of the aorta. We hypothesise that locoregional responses to distinct stressors along the aorta are driven by the site-specific HA-rich matrix, thereby determining the heterogeneity in the development and progression of TAA and AAA/AAD.