Therapeutic Targeting of Cell Death in Cardiovascular Diseases: From Mechanisms to Clinical Applications

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with aberrant cell death in the cardiovascular system being a critical underlying mechanism. The maladaptive nature of cell death in cardiovascular tissues contributes significantly to the progression and fatality of these diseases. Recent advancements have identified over ten distinct types of cell death, including intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT)-driven necrosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and others. Despite these discoveries, the precise regulation and therapeutic targeting of these cell death pathways in cardiovascular contexts remain underexplored. Notably, Hadian and Stockwell have highlighted the development of numerous small molecule modulators targeting regulated necrosis, such as necroptosis and pyroptosis inhibitors, as well as ferroptosis inducers and inhibitors. However, the translation of these findings into effective cardiovascular therapies is still in its infancy, necessitating further investigation and collaboration among experts in the field.

This research topic aims to advance the development of cell death regulation drugs for cardiovascular diseases by providing a platform for the latest scientific findings. The primary objectives include elucidating the mechanisms by which different types of cell death contribute to cardiovascular pathology, identifying potential therapeutic targets, and evaluating the efficacy of novel small molecule modulators. Key questions to be addressed include: How do specific cell death pathways influence cardiovascular disease progression? What are the most promising targets for therapeutic intervention? How can new modulators be optimized for clinical use in cardiovascular settings?

To gather further insights into the regulation of cell death in cardiovascular diseases, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Mechanisms of different cell death pathways in cardiovascular diseases
- Development and characterization of small molecule modulators targeting cell death
- Preclinical and clinical studies on cell death regulation therapies
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-cell death effects of novel therapeutics
- Role of cellular senescence and mitotic catastrophe in cardiovascular pathology
- Ultrasound and other non-invasive therapies for modulating cell death
- Biomarkers for monitoring cell death and therapeutic efficacy in cardiovascular diseases