In addition, dominant mutations in MYH11 are associated with a heritable human vascular disease, thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD), with or without patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) (Bee et al., 2012; Pannu et al., 2007; Renard et al., 2013; Zhu et al., 2006). This evidence concerns the gene MYH11 and thoracic aortic aneurysm.