Genetics and Epigenetics in Cardiovascular Disease

Dear Colleagues,

Genetics and epigenetics play a crucial role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight and explore the genetic and epigenetic factors involved in CVDs, to drive advancements in personalized medicine, and offer tailored approaches to diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment.

Cardiovascular diseases, mainly encompassing coronary heart disease, hypertension and heart failure, continue to significantly impact human health and represent an important medical challenge worldwide. They are closely associated with several biochemical, environmental, behavioral and genetic factors and, although our knowledge of these diseases has progressed, both their aetiology and pathogenetic mechanisms are still not completely understood. Genome-wide association analyses and candidate gene approaches, such as epigenetic mechanisms, appear to explain the complexity of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the gut microbiome has emerged as a critical mediator between diet and the host epigenome. In the era of evidence-based medicine, advancements in technologies, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are revolutionizing our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets capable of improving the treatment and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. We welcome the submission of original research, reviews, mini-reviews, case reports, and perspectives, encompassing both experimental and computational studies. This series of articles aims to investigate the genetic and epigenetic biomarkers related to cardiovascular diseases, advancing the frontier of personalized medicine and underscoring the development of research into these pathologies. This compilation of articles will serve as a valuable repository, fostering exploration and innovation in the area of cardiovascular diseases. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

• Understanding the intricate interplay between exercise, nutrition, and epigenetic regulation to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of CVD prevention.
• Pharmacogenomic studies to identify the genetic variants associated with differential responses to drugs commonly used in the treatment of CVD.
• Identification of genetic and epigenetic biomarkers playing a pivotal role in the development of risk prediction models for cardiovascular diseases.
• Understanding the intricate interplay between the gut microbiome, diet, and host epigenome in cardiovascular disease to offer insights into potential therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Cristina Mazzaccara
Prof. Dr. Carmela Nardelli
Prof. Dr. Giulia Frisso
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Genes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• genetic and epigenetic biomarkers
• cardiovascular diseases
• evidence-based medicine
• treatment and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases
• gut microbiome
• advancements in technologies
• genome-wide association analyses
• candidate genes