Renin-Angiotensin System in Cardiovascular Biology

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of this Special Issue is to present the latest updates on the role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in cardiovascular biology, from cellular mechanisms to organ functions and novel therapeutic mechanisms. The RAS has an important role in the regulation of blood pressure and salt water homeostasis. Angiotensin II (AngII) is the main regulator, which operates by stimulating AT1 receptors, a member of G protein-coupled receptor family, and activating mainly calcium signaling mechanisms inducing, e.g., smooth muscle contraction, vasoconstriction and blood pressure elevation. Long-term overactivation of the RAS may result in inflammatory mechanisms, vascular hypertrophy and remodeling, water retention, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Therapies based on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (ACEIs) and blockers of AT1 angiotensin receptors have been effectively used in the therapy of hypertension for decades. Other RAS pathways have more recently become the focus of research, including ACE2 and AT2 receptor signaling, as well as the conversion of AngII to Ang 1-7, which may provide links between the deleterious and beneficial actions of RAS. Alternative activation of these pathways may also propose novel additional molecular mechanisms and beneficial therapeutic potential in cardiovascular pathology.

This Special Issue therefore invites original research papers and review articles providing the latest insights into the complexity of the cell signaling and biological mechanisms of the RAS components to propose novel mechanisms in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. By targeting this system, works may provide novel therapeutic potential in cardiovascular and related diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus.

Dr. Mária Szekeres
Dr. György L. Nádasy
Dr. András Balla
Guest Editors

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