Introduction

The aim of Molecular Cardiology: Methods and Protocols is to document state-of-the-art molecular and genetic techniques in the area of cardiology. These modern approaches enable researchers to readily study heart diseases at the molecular level and will promote the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Techniques and Tools

Methods for genetic dissection, signal transduction, and microarray analysis are excellent tools for the study of the molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases. Protocols for transgenesis take advantage of recent advances in many areas of molecular and cell biology. Transgenic models of heart diseases (cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac dysfunction, and so on) are powerful tools for the study of heart disease pathogenesis.

Gene Therapy and Heart Protection

Methods for gene transfer to heart tissue using viral and nonviral vectors form the basis of gene therapy for heart diseases. Heart-specific promoters containing a hypox- inducible cardioprotective gene switch are key for protection of the heart from ischemia. Gene and stem cell therapies open novel and exciting avenues for the prevention and treatment of heart diseases.

Contents of the Book

Molecular Cardiology: Methods and Protocols consists of 26 chapters dealing with various aspects of molecular cardiology, including gene transfer and gene therapy for cardiovascular disease, stem cell therapy for cardiovascular disease, gene analysis in the injured and hypertrophied heart, and transgenesis in cardiovascular research.

Purpose and Audience

This book provides step-by-step methods for the successful completion of experimental procedures, and would be useful for both experienced and new investigators in the field of molecular cardiology.