The field of cellular biology has seen increasing interest in the interactions between subcellular organelles, particularly in their role in maintaining vital organ functions. In the heart, the communication between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is essential for the function and development of cardiomyocytes. Damage to these organelles can have severe repercussions, leading to heart-related diseases. Studies have highlighted the critical interaction via vesicle transport and signal transduction occurring at mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs), also known as mitochondria-ER contact sites (MERCs). These sites are involved in numerous cellular functions such as calcium homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and various forms of cell death, all of which are crucial in the progression of cardiac diseases. With a growing body of evidence pointing to the importance of these interactions, there remains a significant need for deeper investigation into their mechanistic roles in health and disease.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of MAMs and their associated proteins in heart-related diseases. We seek to uncover not only the roles of these proteins in cardiac development but also their specific contributions to disease processes, including how their dysregulation may lead to disease. Investigating the modulation of MAMs by specific activators or inhibitors provides a promising avenue to influence disease outcomes directly, highlighting the relevance of this research in developing novel therapeutic interventions.To gather further insights into the pivotal role of MAMs in cardiac functionality and pathology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:-Roles of MAMs and MAM-associated proteins in heart development.-Mechanisms by which MAM-associated proteins influence the pathology of heart-related diseases.-Therapeutic potentials of MAM-associated protein inhibitors or activators in heart disease.-Communication between mitochondria and ER in heart-related diseases.-Impact of MAM-related cellular processes on the progression of heart-related diseases.Addendum: We also encourage submissions employing innovative methodologies such as multidimensional omics, ultra-high resolution, and live cell imaging to further elucidate the relationship between MAMs and cardiac health.
The field of cellular biology has seen increasing interest in the interactions between subcellular organelles, particularly in their role in maintaining vital organ functions. In the heart, the communication between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is essential for the function and development of cardiomyocytes. Damage to these organelles can have severe repercussions, leading to heart-related diseases. Studies have highlighted the critical interaction via vesicle transport and signal transduction occurring at mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs), also known as mitochondria-ER contact sites (MERCs). These sites are involved in numerous cellular functions such as calcium homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and various forms of cell death, all of which are crucial in the progression of cardiac diseases. With a growing body of evidence pointing to the importance of these interactions, there remains a significant need for deeper investigation into their mechanistic roles in health and disease.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of MAMs and their associated proteins in heart-related diseases. We seek to uncover not only the roles of these proteins in cardiac development but also their specific contributions to disease processes, including how their dysregulation may lead to disease. Investigating the modulation of MAMs by specific activators or inhibitors provides a promising avenue to influence disease outcomes directly, highlighting the relevance of this research in developing novel therapeutic interventions.To gather further insights into the pivotal role of MAMs in cardiac functionality and pathology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:-Roles of MAMs and MAM-associated proteins in heart development.-Mechanisms by which MAM-associated proteins influence the pathology of heart-related diseases.-Therapeutic potentials of MAM-associated protein inhibitors or activators in heart disease.-Communication between mitochondria and ER in heart-related diseases.-Impact of MAM-related cellular processes on the progression of heart-related diseases.Addendum: We also encourage submissions employing innovative methodologies such as multidimensional omics, ultra-high resolution, and live cell imaging to further elucidate the relationship between MAMs and cardiac health.