Calcium-Permeable Cation Channels in Cardiovascular Function and Disease

Dear Colleagues,

The cardiovascular system comprises the heart and blood vessels, which combine to provide the circulation and transport of oxygen, nutrients, waste products and heat around our body in the blood, functions that are essential for life. It is therefore not surprising that cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease and heart failure are associated with significant outcomes for population morbidity and mortality. As such, it is important that we continue to develop our understanding of the fundamental cellular processes that govern heart and vascular function and how they are altered in disease. Calcium signalling is one such fundamental cellular process. For example, Ca-dependent processes regulate the initiation and frequency of pacemaker potential in sinoatrial node cells and the contractility of cardiac myocytes, with alterations in these processes being linked to arrhythmogenesis and hypertrophy. Moreover, Ca-dependent processes in vascular smooth muscle cells and epithelial cells of the endothelium control a plethora of signals involving vasoactive molecules and mechanosensitive stimuli that regulate vascular contractility, with inappropriate signalling being coupled to excessive contraction and cell growth, proliferation and migration associated with hypertension and atherosclerosis. Ca-permeable ion channels play a central role in these processes by providing extracellular Ca influxes (e.g., voltage-gated L- and T-type Ca channels, TRP channels, Orai channels, piezo channels and P2X receptors) and Ca release from intracellular organelles such as the sarcoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes (e.g., ryanodine receptors, IP₃ receptors and TPC2 channels).

The aim of this Special Issue is to summarize our current knowledge, through original research and review articles, on the molecular composition, activation and regulatory mechanisms, pharmacology, and function of Ca-permeable ion channels in the cardiovascular system, and changes in these properties in disease.

Prof. Anthony Albert
Guest Editor

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