Mechanosensitive Ion Channels in Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanobiology, Signaling, and Translational Approaches

Mechanobiology is a dynamic field at the intersection of cellular biology and biomechanics, with growing significance in cardiovascular research. Mechanical forces such as shear stress, stretch, and pressure play essential roles in cardiovascular development, function, and disease progression. Mechanosensitive ion channels—including PIEZO1, PIEZO2, and various TRP channels—are critical mediators of these forces, acting as transducers that convert physical cues into intracellular signals. Breakthrough studies have revealed their influence on vascular homeostasis, endothelial function, cardiac remodeling, immunity, and arrhythmia susceptibility. Despite rapid advancements, there remain considerable gaps in our understanding of how these channels integrate within broader signaling networks, how their dysfunction contributes to disease processes such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, and drug-induced cardiotoxicity, and how mechanotransduction may be leveraged for clinical intervention.This Research Topic aims to foster an integrated understanding of mechanosensitive ion channels, particularly focusing on PIEZO and closely related families, in cardiovascular biology and pathology. Our objective is to assemble novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of channel activation, downstream signaling cascades, and their roles in regulating cellular and tissue-level homeostasis and cardiovascular disease. We encourage contributions that elucidate the link between mechanosensing and pathophysiological remodeling, highlight innovative tools or model systems, and explore translational approaches—including the therapeutic modulation of these channels to treat cardiovascular disorders.The scope of this Research Topic is centered on mechanosensitive ion channels in the cardiovascular system—emphasizing mechanotransduction, disease models, and translational strategies. Studies strictly outside the cardiovascular context or lacking mechanistic focus will not be considered. To gather further insights in these areas, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:-PIEZO1-mediated endothelial mechanosensing and vascular regulation-Roles of mechanosensitive ion channels in cardiac cellular physiology and pathological remodeling-Genetic, molecular, and imaging approaches to mechanosensitive channel function in cardiovascular models-Discovery and optimization of pharmacological modulators targeting PIEZO and TRP channels-Translational strategies for channel-based therapies, including stem cell-derived, organ-on-chip, and preclinical modelsAppendix: We invite original research articles, reviews, methods papers, and perspectives relevant to the above themes. Topic editors: Amit Manhas, Nazish Sayed, Professor Xiaofeng Yang, MD, PhD Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79328/mechanosensitive-ion-channels-in-cardiovascular-disease-mechanobiology-signaling-and-translational-approaches