RNA Therapeutics and Advanced Bioengineering for Cardiac Regeneration

Over the past two decades, cell-based clinical trials for cardiac repair have expanded our understanding of myocardial injury, cellular survival, and functional restoration. Building on the vital lessons learned from these early cell therapies, cardiac regenerative medicine is now entering an era driven by targeted molecular and genetic interventions. Among these emerging strategies, modified mRNA (modRNA) represents a paradigm shift: by enabling transient, high-efficiency, non-integrating protein expression, modRNA can target endogenous cardiomyocytes to stimulate cell-cycle re-entry and promote intrinsic cardiac regeneration.However, translating RNA-driven remuscularization into clinical reality requires overcoming major bioengineering hurdles. Achieving safe and sustained functional recovery after acute myocardial infarction or chronic ischemic injury depends heavily on innovative biomaterials, biomimetic delivery systems, and localized tissue-engineering platforms.This Research Topic aims to bridge the gap between RNA biology and cardiac tissue engineering. We seek cutting-edge contributions exploring how modRNA, non-coding RNAs, and advanced bioengineered delivery platforms can reverse cardiac cell cycles, regenerate lost myocardium, preserve vascular integrity, and remuscularize the injured ventricle.We welcome Original Research, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Brief Research Reports, and Perspectives addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Endogenous Cardiomyocyte Reactivation: Mechanisms of cell-cycle re-entry, dedifferentiation, and cardiac remuscularization mediated by modRNA and synthetic RNA constructs.- Advanced Biomaterials & Delivery Platforms: Development of smart hydrogels, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs), and injectable scaffolds designed for sustained, localized, and cardiospecific RNA delivery.- Translation from Cell Therapies to Cell-Free Regenerative Platforms: Lessons learned from clinical trials in cardiac repair and how RNA technologies circumvent the limitations of traditional cell-based products.- Tissue Engineering & Multi-Lineage Repair: Synergistic strategies combining modRNA with cardiac patches, engineered vascular networks, or stem cell derivatives to remodel scarred myocardium.- Preclinical Models & Delivery Optimization: In vivo translational studies evaluating left ventricular remodelling, hemodynamic recovery, and safety profiles of cardiovascular RNA therapies.Professor John P. Cooke is an inventor on patents assigned to Stanford University and Houston Methodist Hospital relating to RNA therapeutics for regenerative purposes, and is the founder and an equity shareholder of ChromeX Therapeutics. Professor Lior Zangi is a co-founder and shareholder of NovoVessel, SeleRNA, SkinRNA and MitoGen-X, and is an inventor on several issued, published, and provisional patent applications relating to modified RNA and gene delivery. Professor Ke Cheng is an inventor on patents assigned to Columbia University. Topic editors: Jianyi Zhang, John Cooke, Lior Zangi, Ke Cheng Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/86540/rna-therapeutics-and-advanced-bioengineering-for-cardiac-regeneration