Cardiovascular Specific Gene Expression

This title is printed to order. This book may have been self-published. If so, we cannot guarantee the quality of the content. In the main most books will have gone through the editing process however some may not. We therefore suggest that you be aware of this before ordering this book. If in doubt check either the author or publisher’s details as we are unable to accept any returns unless they are faulty. Please contact us if you have any questions.

The development of the heart and vessels during embryogenesis depends on the complex interplay of various cell types and growth factors. The implementation of molecular tools has enabled us to analyse early steps in cardiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Furthermore the introduction of transgenic and knock-out techniques in mice, and the miniaturization of physiologic measurements to the mouse level has fundamentally changed our knowledge. Pathophysiology can be unravelled at the molecular level. The implications of various stimuli on specific membrane receptors can be analyzed. In response to receptor activation, interacting intracellular signalling pathways can activate or block transcription factors. The changes in gene expression lead to functional changes observed in the cardiovascular systems of animal models and humans. Changes in the level of gene expression and protein function in cardiovascular disease are discussed for the sarcomeric, calcium handling and ion channel genes. Furthermore, different approaches to the design of cell-type-specific gene therapy approaches for the heart and vessels are outlined.