Publisher Summary This chapter provides an observation on the vascular Extracellular
Matrix (ECM) and aortic development. In addition to providing the structural and mechanical
properties required for vessel function, the ECM provides instructional signals that induce,
define, and stabilize smooth muscle phenotypes. There are many examples of ECM
molecules playing critical roles in the regulation of gene expression by interacting with
specific matrix receptors on cells, and by binding and storing growth factors that influence …