Cardiovascular Mechanobiology: Molecular Mechanisms, Disease Pathogenesis, and Therapeutic Opportunities

Mechanotransduction—the process by which cells detect and convert mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals—is essential for embryonic development, organogenesis, and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. It also plays a pivotal role in disease progression. This is especially true in the cardiovascular system, where cells are constantly exposed to complex mechanical forces, including shear stress, cyclic stretch, and pressure. In addition to these biomechanical stimuli, cardiovascular cells respond to cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM) in a dynamic, three-dimensional microenvironment. Notably, these cells not only sense and respond to mechanical forces of varying magnitude, direction, and frequency but also actively participate in remodeling their biomechanical surroundings.

Disruption of mechanosensitive signaling pathways and alterations in tissue biomechanics are increasingly recognized as key contributors to the development and progression of a wide range of cardiovascular diseases, including—but not limited to—atherosclerosis, vascular stenosis, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, fibrosis, thrombosis, valvular disorders, arteriovenous malformations, aneurysms and dissections, microvascular dysfunction, and hypertension. A deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying mechanotransmission and mechanotransduction is essential for advancing cardiovascular biology and for the development of novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies.

This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge original research and comprehensive reviews that highlight the central role of mechanobiology in cardiovascular health and disease. By bridging fundamental mechanobiology with translational science, we seek to foster innovation in both the foundational understanding of mechanotransduction and the development of next-generation diagnostics and therapeutics.

We welcome submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms:

Experimental and theoretical investigations into mechanosensors, mechanotransmission, and mechanotransduction pathways in cardiovascular cells—including, but not limited to, endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and circulating blood cells. Studies that integrate these pathways with broader signaling networks governing cardiovascular function are especially encouraged.

• Mechanotransduction in Disease Pathogenesis:

Insights into how dysregulated mechanotransduction, aberrant force sensing, and altered tissue mechanics contribute to cardiovascular disease development and progression. Submissions exploring mechanosensitivity as a predictive biomarker for disease onset, progression, or therapeutic response are also welcome.

• Translational Applications:

Development and application of innovative technologies—including bioengineering platforms, organ-on-chip systems, advanced imaging, artificial intelligence, and nanomedicine—to investigate mechanotransduction in physiologically and clinically relevant models. Research focused on mechanobiology-driven therapeutic strategies and biomarker discovery is particularly encouraged.

• Emerging Concepts and Future Directions:

Reviews or perspective articles highlighting recent breakthroughs, identifying critical knowledge gaps, and proposing new directions in cardiovascular mechanobiology—particularly those related to novel molecular insights, translational relevance, and clinical impact.

This is a Research Topic initiated by NAVBO, the North American Vascular Biology Organization.

*Topic Editor Prof. Hanjoong Jo is the founder of FlowKines Therapeutics Inc. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Mechanotransduction, Cardiovascular Disease, Mechanobiology, Shear Stress, Endothelial Cells, Atherosclerosis, Heart Failure, Hypertension, Cell Signaling, Therapeutic Targets, Society Affiliation RT

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.