Early growth response 1 exacerbates thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection of mice by inducing the phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cell through the activation of Krüppel‐like factor 5

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switching has been reported to regulate vascular function and thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) progression. Early growth response 1 (Egr1) is associated with the differentiation of VSMCs. However, the mechanisms through which Egr1 participates in the regulation of VSMCs and progression of TAAD remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of Egr1 in the phenotypic switching of VSMCs and the development of TAAD.