We have further elucidated that PKCβ-mediated ERK1/2 activation contributes to the deleterious effect of CCBs in Marfan mice, while inhibition of this TGFβ- and AT1R-dependent pathway using either a PKC inhibitor (enzastaurin) or the clinically available antihypertensive agent hydralazine is able to prevent aortic aneurysm progression in Marfan mice, in association with blunted PKCβ and ERK1/2 activation. The gene discussed is AGTR1; the disease is aortic aneurysm.