Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Vascular Barrier Regulation in Health and Disease

The study of vascular barrier regulation lies at the intersection of cell biology, molecular signaling, and vascular physiology. The vascular barrier is essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis, as it controls the movement of solutes, proteins, and cells between the bloodstream and surrounding tissues. Disruption or dysfunction of this barrier plays a central role in the pathogenesis of diverse diseases, including inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and sepsis. Although longstanding research has identified key signaling pathways such as VEGF, angiopoietins, and sphingosine-1-phosphate in endothelial barrier function and permeability, important questions regarding the interplay between molecular signals, endothelial cell junctions, perivascular cells, and extracellular matrix cues remain incompletely answered. Recent studies have revealed new regulatory molecules, post-translational modifications, and the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), but gaps linger regarding the integration of these signals within complex tissue and disease contexts. Additionally, dynamic regulation of the vascular barrier is increasingly recognized as spatially and temporally heterogeneous, yet the precise mechanisms orchestrating this plasticity are still being unraveled.This Research Topic aims to deepen our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern vascular barrier regulation under physiological and pathological conditions. The goal is to elucidate key signaling networks, regulatory molecules, and cellular interactions that sustain barrier integrity or drive its dysfunction across a range of diseases. Specific objectives include unraveling key molecular pathways, dissecting the crosstalk between endothelial cells and their environment, and identifying both conserved and context-specific regulatory strategies. We seek to connect mechanistic findings to potential therapeutic targets and provoke new hypotheses that will advance the field toward innovative interventions for diseases involving vascular barrier disruption.To gather further insights into the multifaceted regulation of the vascular barrier, we welcome articles that explore mechanisms in both health and disease, with an emphasis on molecular and cellular perspectives. Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:o Signaling pathways and regulatory networks of endothelial barrier functiono Crosstalk between endothelial cells, pericytes, and immune cellso The role of the extracellular matrix and cellular junctions in vascular permeabilityo Molecular mechanisms of vascular barrier dysfunction in specific diseases (e.g., sepsis, cancer, stroke)o Impact of mechanical forces and the vascular microenvironment on barrier regulationo Novel imaging and biosensing techniques to study vascular barrier dynamicso Therapeutic strategies targeting vascular barrier integrity Topic editors: Mohammad Tauseef, Madeeha Aqi, Mohd Imran Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80150/molecular-and-cellular-mechanisms-of-vascular-barrier-regulation-in-health-and-disease