10th Anniversary of JCDD—Basic and Translational Cardiovascular Research

Dear Colleagues,

In the last 10 years, major advances have been made in our understanding of the basic biology of the cardiovascular system, and attempts have been made to translate these findings into clinics by identifying potential therapeutic strategies to treat heart disease. For example, human-induced pluripotential stem cells (iPSCs) are routinely utilized to model heart disease in a culture dish. Patient-specific iPSCs are differentiated into cardiomyocytes to identify pathogenic mechanisms. Two-dimensional cultures have their limitations; however, three-dimensional culture models, which have been termed cardiac organoids, have recently emerged. These self-organizing structures are composed of multiple cardiac cell types and can develop into chamber-like structures. Region-specific differentiation protocols allow for the production of pacemaker tissue, as well as structures that resemble heart-like chambers. These culture models may provide novel insight into normal human heart development and result in a better understanding of congenital malformations. Single-cell sequencing has provided evidence for multiple cell lineages present in the heart. This technology identifies cell lineages preferentially targeted in heart disease and might help in the development of drugs to revert these pathological processes. High-throughput sequencing technologies have aided in gaining deeper insights into the genetic basis of inherited and acquired heart disease. The application of sequencing technologies in signaling pathways and transcriptional wiring involved in cardiovascular development should still be explored.

Advances have been made not only in our understanding of the basic cellular and molecular biology of the cardiovascular system but also in our understanding of the relationships between hemodynamics and cardiovascular biology in physiological as well as pathophysiological processes. In vivo studies on vertebrate embryos, for example, have shown that blood flow plays an eminent role in cardiac morphogenesis, especially in the development of the cardiac valves, heart chambers, and aortic arch arteries. Moreover, it has been found that alterations in placental and fetal body circulation can lead to congenital heart defects. This knowledge forms the basis for therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing congenital heart disease. Studies on postnatal circulation led to the discovery of helical blood flow patterns that seem to suppress the development of vascular pathologies. The insights gained from the combination of in vivo blood flow imaging with flow simulation studies led to the development of new designs for blood vessel bypasses and stents, thereby finding their way into clinical medicine. New insights into the complex biology, biomechanics, and hemodynamics of the developing and mature heart valves form the basis for the development of tissue-engineered heart valves.

This Special Issue looks to review the current state of the art of basic and translational cardiovascular research. Acceptable formats for this Special Issue include manuscripts reporting on original research, short communications, up-to-date review articles, and commentaries on any topics within the remit of basic cardiovascular research defining cardiac biology in health and disease.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Brand
Prof. Dr. Jörg Männer
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease 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 2700 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.

• heart disease
• cardiac organoids
• single-cell sequencing
• novel technologies
• hemodynamics and CV-biology
• tissue engineering