Cardiovascular diseases, mainly ischemic heart disease and stroke, are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Following ischemic injury, damaged myocardium is replaced by fibrotic scar tissue owing to the poor regenerative capacity of adult mammalian cardiomyocytes. Although initial reparative fibrosis preserves the structural integrity of the heart, an exaggerated fibrotic response contributes to pathological remodelling, impaired cardiac functions and ultimately leads to the progression to heart failure. Cardiac regeneration is an interdisciplinary research area since there is highly dynamic interplay among fibroblasts, extracellular matrix (ECM), cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, immune cells (resident and circulatory) and other stromal cell compartment in mediating the regenerative response. Stimulation of endogenous regenerative capacity and/or stimulation of transplanted cells to generate new cardiomyocytes following cardiac injury are conceivable regenerative strategies. However, despite significant scientific advances in our understanding of cardiovascular biology, preclinical findings have not been translated effectively to cardiac regenerative therapies. Deciphering the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases and cardiac regeneration holds great promise for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and thereby the development of new regenerative strategies.

This collection will focus on validated and currently emerging techniques in cardiovascular research field. Methodologies may focus on mouse models, cell-based assays, microscopy, 3D imaging, 3D cardiac microtissues, disease modelling using iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, single cell genomics and/or pharmacological or genetic interventions.