The Cell Biology of Heart Disease

Dear Colleagues,

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the leading causes of death worldwide mostly prevalent in older individuals, but now also common in younger populations due to unhealthy lifestyle, poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, stress and diabetes. Our heart is made up of various cell types with distinct functions that contribute to its overall structure and function. Cardiomyocytes are the heart's muscle cells responsible for its contractility. Endothelial cells, responsible for maintaining vascular tone, regulating blood flow and forming a barrier between blood and tissue, form the inner lining of blood vessels in the heart. Cardiac fibroblasts provide structural support to the heart by secreting extracellular matrix proteins, maintaining myocardium integrity, and aiding in wound healing and scar formation. Immune cells, including macrophages, lymphocytes and neutrophils, play crucial roles including inflammation and tissue repair, and are observed in conditions like myocarditis, atherosclerosis and ischemia–reperfusion injury. These different types of cells work together to ensure the proper function of the heart, including its contractility, electrical activity, structural integrity and vascular perfusion. In a disease state, alterations of these cells occur, leading to the development of various CVDs including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies. Understanding the roles and interactions of these cells is crucial for advancing treatments for heart diseases.

In this Special Issue, we create a unique platform where the discussion of the cellular state of in heart during physiological and pathological conditions will be highlighted. Researchers from various CVD backgrounds, including CAD, diabetes and obesity, are invited to contribute their findings.

Dr. Rajeshwary Ghosh
Dr. Samreen Sadaf
Guest Editors

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• cardiomyopathy
• endothelial dysfunction
• cellular senescence
• fibrosis
• myocardial infarction
• inflammation
• mitochondrial dysfunction
• CAD
• arrhythmia
• heart failure