The
Cardiovascular Sciences [CVS] IRG will consider research applications that
employ basic investigations, translational approaches and patient-oriented
studies to focus on the development, physiology, and pathophysiology of the
heart and circulatory systems. Study sections are organized around
themes of development, muscle contraction including cardiac hypertrophy and
failure, cardiovascular electrophysiology and arrhythmias, myocardial
ischemia and infarction, vascular hemodynamics and hypertension, neural and
integrative systems physiology, inflammation and atherosclerosis, and
vascular cell and molecular biology. Investigators may employ a range
of approaches that include genetics, genomics and proteomics, molecular,
cell, and computational biology, biochemistry, biophysics and bioengineering,
imaging, analyses of model organisms, and human studies.
The
following Study Sections are included within the CVS IRG:
[Back to Top ]
Cardiovascular
Differentiation and Development [CDD]
[CDD
Roster]
The
Cardiovascular Differentiation and Development [CDD] Study Section reviews
applications concerning normal and abnormal development and differentiation
of the heart, vascular and lymphatic systems. This focus includes stem and
progenitor cells, tissue interactions, morphogenetic processes, and
regulation of differentiation in humans and model organisms.
Specific
areas covered by CDD:
-
Cardiac
development, including commitment and differentiation of cell
phenotypes, cardiac lineages, cardiac transcription factors and their coactivators
or repressors, developmental regulation of RNA splicing and
developmental changes in protein isoform expression.
-
Cardiac
morphogenesis, including looping morphogenesis, chamber specification, positional
information as it relates to the developing heart, valve morphogenesis
and changes in cell number, shape or survival in the context of heart
formation.
-
Development
and differentiation of the conduction system in the heart.
-
Neural
crest contributions to the heart and great vessels in developing
organisms.
-
Vascular
development, including the origin, commitment and differentiation of
endothelial and smooth muscle cell populations. Cell-cell and
tissue interactions that regulate vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, cell
polarity and organization. Inductive stimuli that regulate differentiation
and gene expression. Patterning components that regulate the
position, size and organization of the vascular system. Aspects of
smooth muscle that include different embryonic origins and divergent
physiological responses based on origins.
-
Development
of the coronary circulation and the epicardium.
-
Vascular
remodeling in the postnatal organism where angiogenic stimuli produce
new outgrowth and vascularization in a recapitulation of embryonic and
fetal processes.
-
Studies
of lymphangiogenesis including the origins, commitment, differentiation
and organization of the lymphatic vascular system. This does not
include components of the immune system found in the lymphatic drainage
system.
-
Embryonic
cell processes including migration, chemotaxis, cell-cell adhesion, extracellular
matrix adhesion, secretion or modification, organization of the
cytoskeleton or sarcomere and apoptosis will be covered as they are
related to development and differentiation of the cardiovascular system.
-
Receptors,
signaling, gene regulation and protein expression as related to the differentiation and
development of the embryonic and fetal cardiovascular systems.
-
Stem
cell biology related to the cardiovascular system including
differentiation of embryonic and adult stem cells into cardiomyocytes,
endothelium, smooth muscle and other components of the cardiovascular
system. Characterization of endogenous stem cells that contribute
to the myocardium and vasculature in vivo. Genetic and
pharmacologic enhancements to stem cells to promote their accessibility,
function or usefulness.
-
Studies
of cardiovascular development in a variety of model organisms, including
Drosophila, Xenopus, zebrafish, chick and mouse.
-
Studies
related to the understanding of human congenital cardiac and vascular
malformations, including valvular and septal defects, chamber
malformations, maternal-fetal vascular connections, teratologic
mechanisms, and fetal cardiac pathology.
-
Genomic
and proteomic approaches to cardiovascular development including
expression profiling, mapping of protein interaction networks,
saturation mutagenesis and high throughput phenotyping, and the
functional evaluation of changes in normal and abnormal development.
-
Human
genetics of cardiac and vascular malformations, including positional
cloning, structure-function and genotype-phenotype correlations, and the
modeling of human developmental cardiovascular disorders in other
organisms.
CDD
has the following shared interests within the CVS IRG:
-
With
Cardiac Contractility, Hypertrophy and Failure [CCHF]:Applications
addressing calcium regulation and receptor-mediated effects restricted
to myocyte growth signaling, contractility, apoptosis, and remodeling
are appropriate for review by CCHF. The renin/angiotensin system as it relates
to cellular growth is also appropriate for assignment to CCHF.
Embryonic growth and differentiation of myocytes is more appropriately
assigned to CDD.
-
With
Electrical Signaling, Ion Transport and Arrhythmias [ESTA]: Applications
that deal with congenital and acquired arrhythmia syndromes and other
ion movement abnormalities may be assigned to ESTA,
while studies focusing on development of electrically active cells will
be assigned to CDD.
CDD
has the following shared interests outside the CVS IRG:
-
With
the Genes, Genomes & Genetics [GGG] IRG: Shared
interests occur in genetic analysis of cardiac and vascular
malformations. When the focus is a general genetic understanding,
assignment could be to the GGG IRG. When the focus is an understanding
of the biology and physiology of the cardiovascular system, assignment
could be to CDD.
-
With the Cell
Biology [CB] IRG:
Shared interests occur in cellular and molecular examination of
developing cardiovascular tissues. When the focus is a general cellular
or molecular understanding, assignment could be to the CB IRG. When the
focus is an understanding of the biology and physiology of the
cardiovascular system, assignment could be to CDD.
-
With
the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA] IRG: Shared
interest exists in the areas of organogenesis, including birth
defects. In general, applications that focus on early
developmental processes up to and including formation of the primordial
heart, blood and vasculature, and malformations which emerge at these
earlier stages, would typically be assigned to the BDA IRG. On the
other hand, applications with a focus on developmental events after
formation of these primordial tissues, including birth defects, would
typically be assigned to CDD. The BDA IRG may also be assigned
applications that study post-primordial developmental events when the
purpose of the study is to uncover or further elucidate common
fundamental developmental processes. An example would be where the
focus is on processes common to various mesodermal derivatives.
Assignment would be made based on the central focus of the application.
-
With
the Hematology [HEME] IRG: Shared interest may exist
concerning common stem cell precursors of the endothelial and hematopoetic
cell types. While studies of multipotent or bipotent stem cells could
be assigned to CDD, hematopoetic differentiation may be more
appropriately assigned to the HEME IRG. Assignment of applications on
the transdifferentiation of cells between the blood and endothelial cell
types would be resolved in the direction of the final phenotype.
[Back
to Top ]
The
Cardiac Contractility, Hypertrophy, and Function [CCHF] Study Section reviews
applications involving both basic and applied aspects of the heart that focus
on contractile function and dysfunction, including studies of hereditary and
acquired cardiac hypertrophy and failure, at levels ranging from molecular
assemblies to the intact organ.
Specific
areas covered by CCHF:
-
Cardiac
hypertrophy and adaptation to abnormal hemodynamic load; mechanical
signal transduction, genetic myopathies (hypertrophic, dilated, and
metabolic), autocrine/paracrine factors; apoptosis; cell cycle factors;
aging inflammatory/cytokine-mediated processes; transcriptional pathways
in heart failure; capillary density; transition from compensated to
uncompensated state.
-
Systolic
and diastolic dysfunction and heart failure, including: molecular and
cellular mechanisms of heart failure; remodeling and extracellular
matrix reorganization; capillary density; metabolic adaptations; myocyte
energetics; aging.
-
The
cytoskeleton including biochemistry, transport functions, molecular
biology and biophysical aspects of myocyte and ventricular mechanics.
-
Genomic
and proteomic approaches to cardiac hypertrophy and failure including
expression profiling and functional consequences of the changes;
genotype-phenotype correlation in human and model organisms.
-
Studies
of cardiac repair including cell-based therapy.
-
Neurohumoral
and receptor mechanisms as they relate to hypertrophy and heart failure
including adrenoreceptors, cytokines and growth factor receptors.
-
Studies
of cardiac myocyte contractile function including sarcomeric proteins, isoforms
of these proteins; structural elements in normal and disease states,
calcium-force relationship; structure-function relationship of sarcomeric
proteins.
-
Ventricular
mechanics; stress-strain relationships; tissue mechanics and
constitutive properties of myocardium; myofiber orientation; fibrosis;
assessment of the effects of therapeutic interventions such as pacing,
ventricular assist devices and others.
-
Calcium
regulation, signaling as it relates to contractility, diastolic function
and relaxation.
-
Receptor
and post-receptor signaling for control of myocyte growth, remodeling
and contractility.
-
Valvular
heart disease with or without hemodynamic dysfunction.
-
Arrythmia-related
causes of remodeling and heart failure.
-
Acute
and chronic changes in ventricular and cellular function that result
from heart transplantation.
CCHF
has the following shared interests within the CVS IRG:
There is a shared interest in heart failure signaling, arrhythmias
and transplantation with other study sections in this IRG. Specific
shared interests may occur with applications addressing:
-
With
Cardiovascular Differentiation and Development [CDD]: Embryonic
growth and differentiation of myocytes is appropriately assigned to CDD.
Applications addressing calcium regulation and receptor-mediated effects
restricted to myocyte growth signaling, contractility, apoptosis, and
remodeling are more appropriate for review by CCHF. The renin/angiotensin
system as it relates to cellular growth is also appropriate for
assignment to CCHF.
-
With Electrical
Signaling, Ion Transport and Arrhythmias [ESTA]: The study of
arrhythmias occurring as a consequence of heart failure and other
arrhythmia related studies should be assigned to ESTA. When
arrhythmias are studied as an etiology of heart failure and myocardial
remodeling, including therapeutic effects of pacing on ventricular hemodynamics,
the application is appropriately assigned to CCHF.
-
With
Myocardial Ischemia and Metabolism [MIM]: Transplant
related organ preservation is more appropriately assigned to MIM.
Applications that study inflammation of the myocardium secondary to
ischemia and the role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species,
cytokines, and chemokines in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury are
appropriately assigned to MIM. When transplantation is studied
only in relation to assessment of myocardial function, applications may
be assigned to CCHF.
-
With
Atherosclerosis and Inflammation of the Cardiovascular System [AICS]:
Transplantation biology including transplant related arrhythmias, graft vasculopathy,
atherosclerosis, and transplant immunobiology are appropriately assigned
to AICS. When transplantation is studied only in relation to assessment
of myocardial function, applications may be assigned to CCHF.
·
With
Clinical and Integrative Cardiovascular Sciences [CICS]: Clinical,
population, and integrative studies may be more appropriately assigned to
CICS.
CCHF
has the following shared interests outside the CVS IRG:
-
With
the Genes, Genomes & Genetics [GGG]: Shared interests
include genetic analysis of contractile function or dysfunction.
When the focus is a general genetic understanding, assignment could be
to the GGG IRG. When the focus is an understanding of the biology and
physiology of the cardiovascular system, assignment could be to CCHF.
-
With the Cell
Biology [CB] IRG:
Shared interests include cellular and molecular examination of
contractility and hypertrophy. When the focus is a general
cellular or molecular understanding, assignment could be to the CB IRG.
When the focus is an understanding of the biology and physiology of the
cardiovascular system, assignment could be to CCHF.
-
With
the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA] IRG: (1)
Studies on aging where the primary focus is on ventricular mechanics, myocyte
function (systolic and diastolic), or genetic adaptations affecting
contractile function, could be assigned to CCHF. Studies on the
cardiovascular system that are testing hypotheses about mechanisms of
aging that affect multiple systems or non-cardiovascular tissues could
be assigned to the BDA IRG. Studies on cardiovascular function or
properties that are part of studies of multiple age-related changes in
physiology or body composition (e.g., fat, cardiovascular and bone)
could be assigned to the BDA IRG. (2) In general, applications that
focus on early developmental processes up to and including formation of
the primordial heart would typically be assigned to the BDA IRG.
On the other hand, applications addressing calcium regulation and
receptor-mediated effects restricted to post-primordial myocyte growth
signaling, contractility, apoptosis, and remodeling would be appropriate
for CCHF. The renin/angiotensin system as it relates to cardiac cellular
growth is also appropriate for assignment to CCHF.
-
With
the Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition and Reproductive Sciences
[EMNR] IRG: Studies relating to cardiac metabolism as a
chronic adaptation to obesity, diabetes or diet leading to cardiac
hypertrophy and heart failure may be assigned to CCHF. Proposals that
focus primarily upon the effects of obesity, diabetes, or dietary
changes on the whole body or multiple organ systems are appropriate for
the EMNR IRG.
-
With
the Surgical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering [SBIB] IRG: There is
significant shared interest with the SBIB IRG. Areas such as organ
preservation and graft rejection-related arrhythmias, and surgical
interventions to treat valve dysfunction, may be assigned to the SBIB
IRG. The responses of the cardiovascular system to trauma,
surgery, or other physiologic stress may be assigned to CCHF.
[Back to Top]
Electrical Signaling,
Ion Transport, and Arrhythmias [ESTA]
[ESTA
Roster]
The
Electrical Signaling, Ion Transport, and Arrhythmias [ESTA] Study Section
will examine both basic and clinical applications related to cardiac and
vascular electrical activity, excitation-contraction coupling, and related
signaling. This study section reviews applications that address the
occurrence, cause, and treatment of cardiac and vascular electrical and
electromechanical dysfunction, arrhythmias, and sudden death. Studies
may involve animals and humans, in vitro and in vivo systems,
and computational approaches. Where appropriate, studies will be
considered that examine the effects of aging on arrhythmias, calcium
homeostasis, and excitability.
Specific
areas covered by ESTA:
-
Structure-function
of ion channels in membranes (cell surface and sarcoplasmic reticulum).
-
Biophysical
and other approaches to study the function of individual protein
molecules (e.g., ion channels, connexins, and excitation-contraction
(EC) coupling proteins).
-
Regulation
of expression and function of molecules that determine electrical
activity, including their transcriptional regulation, post-translational
modifications, assembly, trafficking, and anchoring.
-
Basis
of propagation and repolarization in normal and diseased hearts,
including studies of specialized conduction systems and molecules such
as connexins involved in cell-cell communication.
-
Functional
consequences of disease-associated mutations in ion channel and other
genes that result in arrhythmias and vascular cell dysfunction.
-
Identification
of novel genes and proteins that modulate cardiac and vascular
electrical activity, excitation-contraction coupling, and related
signaling.
-
Altered
electrical behavior in acquired heart disease; e.g. remodeling
related to arrhythmias, heart failure, hypertrophy, or ischemia.
-
Intracellular
calcium homeostasis (uptake and release mechanisms) and its role in
calcium-related arrhythmias, and cardiac and VSM contractility.
-
Calcium
regulation of receptors, channels, transporters, and other
calcium-sensitive proteins.
-
Excitation-contraction
and electromechanical coupling.
-
Mediators
and modulators of EC coupling, basis of action of individual components
of EC coupling.
-
Predictors
of arrhythmias, including electrocardiography, body surface mapping, intracardiac
recordings, signal averaging, and others.
-
Computational
techniques to model individual channel activity in cellular and multicellular
preparations, including the whole heart.
-
Technique
and device development for treatment of heart rhythm disorders.
-
Evaluation
of devices that are used in diagnosis and therapy of cardiac rhythm
disorders.
-
Identification
and evaluation of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic antiarrhythmic
interventions.
ESTA
has the following shared interests within the CVS IRG:
There is
a shared interest in ion transfer and transport mechanisms affecting
electrical activity and EC-coupling as a common endpoint for pathological
conditions with other study sections in this IRG. Applications that deal
specifically with cardiac and vascular electrical activity,
excitation-contraction coupling and related signaling, and electrophysiologic
aspects of disease processes will most properly be assigned to the ESTA study
section. Specific shared interests may occur with:
-
With
Cardiac Contractility, Hypertrophy, and Function [CCHF]: When
arrhythmias are studied as an etiology of heart failure and myocardial
remodeling, including therapeutic effects of pacing on ventricular hemodynamics,
the application is appropriately assigned to CCHF. ESTA will review
applications that focus primarily on ion-movement, calcium homeostasis,
and arrhythmias in hypertrophy, heart failure, ischemia, and transplant.
Applications with a primary focus on modification of proteins involved
in excitability by activation of signaling pathways in these conditions
will also be assigned to ESTA.
-
With
Vascular Cell and Molecular Biology [VCMB]: VCMB
reviews those applications that emphasize a coupling to vascular cell
and molecular biology. Applications dealing with the electrical
consequences of hypertension, receptors, renin-angiotensin system in the
heart and vasculature will be assigned to ESTA. Fundamental
studies of ion channels or calcium homeostasis without reference to
integrated vascular cell function might be more appropriately assigned
to the ESTA.
ESTA
has the following shared interests outside the CVS IRG:
-
With
the Biological Chemistry and Macromolecular Biophysics [BCMB] IRG: Studies focusing on
molecules involved in cardiac and vascular electrical activity,
excitation-contraction coupling, and related signaling may be assigned
to ESTA, whereas those developing methods or using these molecules
simply as reagents may be assigned to the BCMB IRG.
-
With
the Cell Biology [CB] IRG:
Studies using molecular approaches to evaluate electrical and
electromechanical functions and interactions in the cardiovascular
system could be assigned to ESTA. Alternatively, studies using
molecular approaches to derive more general knowledge of electrical and
electromechanical function could be assigned to the CB IRG.
-
With
the Genes, Genomes & Genetics [GGG] IRG: Studies focusing
on genetic, genomic or proteomic approaches to identification and
characterization of genes or pathways involved in electrical and
electromechanical function in the cardiovascular system could be
assigned to ESTA. If the studies propose to use genetic and genomic
approaches to identify and characterize such genes, but the focus
extends beyond the cardiovascular system, or have a general focus on
basic mechanisms of electrical or electromechanical function, they could
be assigned to the GGG IRG.
-
With
the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA] IRG: (1)
Studies on aging where the primary focus is on cardiovascular electrical
activity could be assigned to ESTA. Studies on the cardiovascular
system that are testing hypotheses about mechanisms of aging that affect
multiple systems or non-cardiovascular tissues could be assigned to the
BDA IRG. Studies on cardiovascular function or properties that are
part of studies of multiple age-related changes in physiology or body
composition (e.g., fat, cardiovascular and bone) could be assigned to
the BDA IRG. (2) In general, applications that focus on early
developmental processes up to and including formation of the primordial
heart, including birth defects that emerge at these early stages, would
typically be assigned to the BDA IRG. Applications that deal with
congenital and acquired arrhythmia syndromes and other ion movement
abnormalities may be assigned to ESTA.
-
With the Bioengineering Sciences and Technologies
[BST] IRG: Applications to develop fundamental
bioengineering methods, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic
interventions, and computational/modeling approaches could be assigned
to the BST IRG, whereas those proposing development and validation of
methods focusing on evaluation of cardiac and vascular electrical
activity, excitation-contraction coupling, and related signaling could
be assigned to ESTA.
-
With the Surgical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering [SBIB] IRG: Applications to develop fundamental imaging
methods or early stages of development of sensors may be assigned to the
SBIB IRG, whereas those proposing development and validation of methods
focusing on evaluation of cardiovascular electrical activity could be
assigned to ESTA. Studies of arrhythmias associated with cardiac
surgery or cardiopulmonary bypass can be appropriately assigned either
in the SBIB IRG or to ESTA, with ESTA focused more on cardiovascular
evaluation.
[Back to Top]
[VCMB Roster]
The Vascular Cell and Molecular Biology [VCMB] Study
Section reviews applications involving the cell and molecular biology of
blood vessels ranging from major arteries to the microcirculation.
Studies using cellular, biochemical, biophysical, immunological, genetic,
pharmacological, and molecular biological approaches to define vascular
homeostasis and dysfunction are reviewed. A principal focus is on the
biology of the endothelium, vascular smooth muscle cell, as well as
adventitial cells and
pericytes.
Specific areas covered by VCMB:
-
Vascular homeostasis: growth control; apoptosis;
cell differentiation; senescence; extracellular matrix; receptor
biology; electrophysiology; signaling pathways; intercellular
communication.
-
Transcription, gene regulation as they relate to
vascular biology: transcription factors; promoter analyses; genomics;
microarrays; bioinformatics; gene clustering.
-
Posttranscriptional regulation including mRNA
stability, translational control and posttranslational modification
including phosphorylation, lipid modification and ubiquitination as they
relate to vascular homoeostasis.
-
Protein biochemistry of the vascular cell:
protein-protein interactions; protein structure; structural biology;
proteomics
-
Vasomotor activity: vasocontraction and
relaxation; nitric oxide; arachidonic acid metabolites; endothelins;
reactive oxygen and nitrogen species; Endothelial-Derived
Hyperpolarizing Factor(s).
-
Leukocyte trafficking in vascular homeostasis:
leukocyte rolling and trafficking; adhesion molecules; chemokines;
cytokines; intercellular signaling.
-
Injury/repair and associated angiogenesis:
remodeling; angioplasty; restenosis; grafts; stents;
re-endothelialization; stem cells; novel interventional therapies and
evaluation of established devices.
-
Mechanotransduction at the cellular level:
hemodynamic forces; stress/strain; force transmission coupling in cells;
mechanosignaling.
-
Endothelial barrier function: permeability and
transport; permeability factors; cell junctions; transmigration;
extracellular matrix-mediated signaling; reactive oxygen and nitrogen
species.
-
Vascular contribution and response to coagulation:
thrombosis and fibrinolysis mechanisms mediated by the vascular cells;
platelet-endothelial interactions; tissue factor.
-
Cellular dynamics through imaging: 3-D imaging;
fluorescent fusion proteins; cytoskeleton; organelle dynamics; vesicular
traffic.
VCMB has the following shared interests within the
CVS IRG:
There is a shared interest in the elements of
vascular cell biology with other study sections in this IRG. Specific
shared interests may occur with:
-
With Electrical Signaling, Ion Transport, and
Arrhythmias [ESTA]: Fundamental studies of ion channels or calcium
homeostasis without reference to integrated vascular cell function might
be more appropriately assigned to ESTA. VCMB reviews those applications
that emphasize a coupling to vascular cell and molecular biology.
-
With Clinical and Integrative Cardiovascular
Sciences [CICS]: Patient-oriented and whole animal research on the
use of stents, pacemakers, etc. in vascular injury and repair are
appropriate for CICS. Studies on vascular repair and injury where
the focus is at the cell and molecular levels may be assigned to
VCMB.
VCMB has the following shared interests outside the
CVS IRG:
-
With the Biological Chemistry and Macromolecular
Biophysics [BCMB] IRG: Studies examining the structure and
function of membranes or proteins that address questions relative to the
physiology or pathology of the vasculature may be assigned to
VCMB. Studies examining the structure and function of membranes or
proteins that address questions relative to the biochemical or
biophysical principles of proteins or membrane components of the
vasculature may be assigned to the BCMB IRG.
-
With the Cell Biology [CB] IRG: Shared interests concern cellular and molecular
examination of vascular structure/function. When the focus is a general
cellular or molecular understanding, assignment could be to the CB IRG.
When the focus is an understanding of the biology and physiology of the
cardiovascular system, assignment could be to VCMB.
-
With the Genes, Genomes & Genetics [GGG]
IRG: Shared interests concern genetic analysis of
vascular homeostasis or dysfunction. When the focus is a general genetic
understanding, assignment could be to the GGG IRG. When the focus is an
understanding of the biology and physiology of the cardiovascular
system, assignment could be to VCMB.
-
With the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA]
IRG: In general, applications that focus on early
developmental processes up to and including formation of the primordial
vasculature would typically be assigned to the BDA IRG.
Applications that focus on elements of blood vessel growth and
differentiation in postnatal vascular beds may be assigned to
VCMB.
-
With the Bioengineering Sciences and Technologies
[BST] IRG: Applications on bioengineering related
specifically to devices, gene therapy, and computational modeling
approaches for cardiovascular disease (stents, pacemakers, etc.) and
their use in cardiovascular injury and repair may be assigned to
VCMB. Those involving more general aspects of devices, gene
therapy, and computational modeling approaches could be assigned to the
BST IRG or the SBIB IRG.
-
With the Hematology [HEME] IRG: The interaction of blood elements with the
vascular wall is complex and represents an area of shared interest. Assignment to the HEME IRG may be appropriate
when the application is focused on: (1) vessel wall interactions with
blood elements, including responses to shear stress, when the primary
focus is on the biology of the formed blood elements, (2) soluble
angiogenic factors from blood in regulating endothelial cell growth and
function, or (3) the biology of soluble and formed blood elements in
thrombosis. Assignment to VCMB may be
appropriate when the focus is on: (1) vessel wall interactions with
blood elements, including responses to shear stress, when the primary
focus is on the biology of the vascular wall and extracellular matrix,
including lipoprotein biology and atherogenesis, (2) vascular wall
elements and the extracellular matrix in regulating endothelial cell
growth and function including embryonic development of the vasculature,
or the role of the vessel wall elements in non-tumor associated
angiogenesis, or (3) the vascular wall and extracellular matrix in
thrombosis and hemostasis.
-
With the Respiratory Sciences [RES]
IRG: In general, applications on vascular cell
biology could be assigned to VCMB. Studies related specifically to
the vascular biology of the pulmonary system would, in general, be
assigned to the RES IRG.
-
With the Surgical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering [SBIB] IRG: The use of imaging to study vascular cell
properties and dynamics is appropriate for VCMB. The development
of imaging technologies is appropriate for the SBIB IRG.
Applications on bioengineering related specifically to devices for
cardiovascular disease (stents, pacemakers, etc.) and their use in
cardiovascular injury and repair are appropriate for VCMB. Those
involving more general aspects of bioengineering could be assigned to
the BST IRG or the SBIB IRG.
[Back to Top ]
Myocardial Ischemia and Metabolism [MIM]
[MIM
Roster]
The Myocardial Ischemia and Metabolism [MIM] Study
Section reviews applications involving basic and applied aspects of
myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (regional or global), coronary
circulation, and myocardial metabolism. It includes the review of studies
using molecular, genetic, cellular, biochemical, pharmacological, genomic,
proteomic, and physiological approaches to define normal and pathological
processes and to develop therapeutic strategies are reviewed. MIM examines
investigations at all levels of organization, ranging from in vitro models
of simulated ischemia in isolated cells to whole animal
models.
Specific areas covered by MIM:
-
Regional and global myocardial
ischemia/reperfusion: mechanisms of ischemia/reperfusion tissue injury,
myocardial stunning, infarction, hibernation and the effects of
aging.
-
Alterations in regional function and flow and
perfusion/contraction relations; post-ischemic coronary vascular
abnormalities; development of collateral circulation in response to
myocardial ischemia.
-
Myocardial ischemia-induced changes in gene
expression including analysis of DNA arrays with respect to myocardial
ischemia induced apoptosis.
-
Prevention, and treatment of post-ischemic
ventricular remodeling and/or inflammation. Prevention and treatment
approaches may include pharmacological, gene therapeutic,
preconditioning, stem cell and other cell-based approaches.
-
Signal transduction mechanisms of myocardial
ischemia/reperfusion injury, preconditioning, and inflammation,
including changes in receptor function, kinase activity, and
transcription factor activity.
-
Pathophysiology and mechanism of myocardial
remodeling and/or inflammation in response to
ischemia/reperfusion.
-
Role of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide and
other reactive nitrogen species, cytokines, chemokines, and white blood
cells in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.
-
Metabolism and energetics in normal myocardium and
in acquired heart disease: carbohydrate and lipid metabolism,
glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, substrate interaction, regulation
of substrate transport and fluxes, and mitochondrial function.
-
Insulin action and signaling in the myocardium
including diabetic cardiomyopathy.
MIM has the following shared interests within the CVS
IRG:
There is shared interest in arrhythmias, mediators of
inflammation, oxidative stress, nitric oxide biology, signaling, gene
regulation, cell-based cardiac repair, and angiogenesis with other study
sections in this IRG. Assignment to MIM will be on the basis of a primary
focus on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and on the repair of its
sequelae. Specific shared interest may occur with applications
dealing with:
-
With Electrical Signaling, Ion Transport and
Arrhythmias [ESTA]: Altered electrical behavior in acquired
heart disease; e.g. remodeling related to
ischemia, may be assigned to ESTA. Studies that examine
ventricular remodeling following myocardial infarction are appropriately
assigned to MIM.
-
With Cardiac Contractility, Hypertrophy, and
Failure [CCHF]: Systolic and diastolic dysfunction and heart
failure, including metabolic adaptations are appropriate for assignment
to CCHF. When transplantation is studied only in relation to
assessment of myocardial function, applications may be assigned to
CCHF. Transplant related organ preservation is appropriately
assigned to MIM. Also, when arrhythmias are studied as an etiology
of heart failure and myocardial remodeling, including therapeutic
effects of pacing on ventricular hemodynamics, the application is
appropriately assigned to CCHF. Applications on metabolic studies
relating to ischemia-reperfusion and arrhythmias are appropriately
assigned to MIM. Studies that examine ventricular remodeling following
myocardial infarction are also appropriately assigned to MIM.
-
With Hypertension and Microcirculation
[HM]: Applications that examine regional
hemodynamics in relation to ischemia are appropriately assigned to HM.
Studies that focus on general coronary circulation would be assigned to
MIM.
-
With Atherosclerosis and Inflammation of the
Cardiovascular System [AICS]: Transplantation biology including transplant
related arrhythmias, graft vasculopathy, atherosclerosis, and transplant
immunobiology are appropriately assigned to AICS. Aspects of vascular
biology related directly to processes of vascular inflammation, and to
atherogenesis and atherosclerosis regression will also be assigned to
AICS. Transplant related organ preservation is more appropriately
assigned to MIM. Applications that study inflammation of the
myocardium secondary to ischemia and the role of reactive oxygen and
nitrogen species, cytokines, and chemokines in myocardial
ischemia/reperfusion injury are appropriately assigned to
MIM.
-
With Clinical and Integrative Cardiovascular
Sciences [CICS]: Applications that examine myocardial
ischemia/reperfusion in the context of focused clinical, population, and
integrative studies may be appropriately assigned to CICS. Studies
that focus on the mechanism of myocardial injury and/or myocardial
preservation are more appropriately assigned to MIM.
MIM has the following shared interests outside the
CVS IRG:
-
With the Cell Biology [CB] IRG: Shared interests include cellular and molecular
examination of metabolism and energetics in normal myocardium and in
acquired heart disease. When the focus is a general cellular or
molecular understanding, assignment could be to the CB IRG. When the
focus is an understanding of metabolism and energetics in normal
myocardium, assignment could be to CB.
-
With the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA]
IRG: Studies on aging where the primary focus is
on regional and global myocardial ischemia/reperfusion could be assigned
to MIM. Studies on the cardiovascular system that are testing
hypotheses about mechanisms of aging that affect multiple systems or
non-cardiovascular tissues could be assigned to the BDA IRG.
Studies on cardiovascular function or properties that are part of
research on multiple age-related changes in physiology or body
composition (e.g., fat, cardiovascular and bone) could be assigned to
the BDA IRG.
-
With the Genes, Genomes & Genetics [GGG]
IRG: Studies of myocardial genetics focusing on
myocardial ischemia or myocardial metabolism could be assigned to
MIM. Studies of myocardial genetics focusing on quantitative
genetics, genetic epidemiology and genetic analysis of complex traits,
and genetically engineered animals could be assigned to the GGG IRG.
-
With the Biobehavioral and Behavioral Processes
[BBBP] IRG: Studies emphasizing the effects of acute or
chronic psychological stress on cardiovascular endpoints, including
ischemia, may be assigned to the BBBP IRG. Research on psychoneuroimmune
and psychoneuroendocrine mechanisms in cardiovascular function, exercise
as a moderator of the effects of stress on cardiovascular function, and
interactions between emotion, personality, psychopathology and
cardiovascular function (including reactivity) may be assigned to the
BBBP IRG. Applications on the diseases, disorders, or functional
consequences of behaviors that contribute to myocardial ischemia could
be assigned to MIM.
-
With the Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition and
Reproductive Sciences [EMNR] IRG: Applications that focus primarily upon
general glucose or lipid metabolism, or the effects of obesity,
diabetes, or dietary changes on the whole body or multiple organ systems
may be assigned to the EMNR IRG. Applications dealing primarily with the
effects of insulin or diabetes on myocardial metabolism or blood flow
may be assigned to MIM.
-
With the Surgical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering [SBIB] IRG: Studies of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury
associated with cardiac surgery or cardiopulmonary bypass can be
appropriately assigned either in the SBIB IRG or in MIM, with MIM
focused more on cardiovascular evaluation of surgical or bypass
procedures.
-
With the Neuroscience [MDCN, IFCN, and BDCN]
IRGs: Studies of cardiac arrest and resuscitation
represent a shared interest. Studies that are appropriately assigned to
MIM focus on the mechanism of myocardial injury and/or myocardial
preservation, whereas those applications more focused on neurological
function would be assigned to one of the neuroscience IRGs.
[Back to Top]
Hypertension and Microcirculation Study Section
[HM]
[HM
Roster]
The Hypertension and Microcirculation [HM] Study
Section reviews applications involving basic and applied aspects of blood
pressure regulation with focus on the physiology of blood pressure
regulation and pathogenesis of hypertension as well as blood pressure
elevation with aging. It includes studies on cell surface receptors
and signaling processes, endogenous vasoactive substances, including the
renin-angiotensin system, reactive oxygen species, and their mechanisms of
action as related to hypertension, regional hemodynamics, lymphatic
circulation, and microcirculation.
Specific areas covered by HM:
-
Blood pressure regulation and systemic
hypertension. Studies may focus on central or peripheral nervous
and endocrine systems, and kidneys and address primary regulators of
blood pressure or end organ effects. Mechanisms involving
regulation of renal hemodynamic, renal tubular transport, or paracrine,
autocrine, or intracrine function, and hormonal/humoral agents produced
by the kidney (and other organs) such as renin/angiotensin, dopamine,
kallikreins, eicosanoids, nitric oxide and reactive oxygen/nitrogen
species when the primary focus is on systemic hypertension.
-
Molecular/cellular/biochemical/genetic studies of
hypertension. Genetic linkage and association studies or candidate
gene
analyses in humans and animal models of genetic
hypertension. Generation of hypertension models by transgenic/knockout
and gene transfer approaches, surgical, drug or hormonal intervention
and environmental influences. Methodologies in the measurement and
recording of blood pressure.
-
Regulation and signaling of adrenergic receptors
and G-protein coupled receptors, including activation and regulation of
the relevant phospholipases, kinases, phosphatases,cyclases, arrestins
and other adaptor and effector proteins as related to hypertension,
regional and microcirculation, and lymphatic flow.
-
Regional measurements of blood flow including
cerebral, splanchnic, skin, skeletal muscle, vasa vasorum, and renal
vessels (excluding pulmonary circulation). Modulation of flow by
nitric oxide, other vasoactive agents, smooth muscles, ion channels, and
gap junctions, or by gene transfer. Microcirculatory functions,
including rheology, capillary pressure and fluid exchange and nutrient
delivery; arteriole/vein/venule and endothelial cell function.
-
Mechanotransduction, contractile and mechanical
properties of smooth muscles, vascular permeability, autoregulation,
response to metabolism, blood-brain barrier. Fluid dynamics and
mechanics in the microcirculation; computational modeling and
engineering of microvascular function and structure. Structural
adaptation and remodeling of the vascular system in response to
hypertension, e.g., increased peripheral resistance and microvascular
rarefaction. Microvascular injury related to hypertension.
-
Lymphatics including functional biology, mechanisms
of fluid exchange, propulsion of lymph and lymphatic tone,
pathophysiological processes contributing to primary and secondary
lymphedema, and treatment of lymphedema.
HM has the following shared interests within the CVS
IRG:
There are shared interests in neural regulation of
blood pressure, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, receptors, cell biology,
and signaling with other study sections in this IRG. Assignment to
HM will be appropriate when the primary focus is on the mechanism,
diagnosis or treatment of hypertension. Specific shared interest may occur
with applications dealing with:
·
With Vascular
Cell and Molecular Biology [VCMB]: VCMB
focuses on studies of the microcirculation at the cell and molecular
levels. Applications addressing integrated and regional
microvasculature function are more appropriately assigned to
HM.
·
With
Myocardial Ischemia and Metabolism [MIM]: Studies that
focus on coronary circulation will be assigned to MIM. In most
cases, regional blood flow, microcirculation, lymphatic flow and function
will be assigned to HM.
·
With Clinical
and Integrative Cardiovascular Sciences [CICS]: Patient
oriented research on hypertension may be assigned to
CICS.
HM has the following shared interests outside the CVS
IRG:
-
With the Cell Biology [CB] IRG: There are shared interests in the cellular
and molecular foundations of hypertension. (1) When the focus is a
general understanding of cellular or molecular biology, assignment could
be to the CB IRG. When the focus is an understanding of the biology of
hypertension or microcirculation, including the mechanisms of action of
endogenous vasoactive substances or reactive oxygen species, assignment
could be to HM. (2) Studies on a fundamental cellular and
molecular understanding of the regulation and signaling of adrenergic
receptors and G-protein coupled receptors, including the activation and
regulation of the relevant phospholipases, kinases, phosphatases and
cyclases, may be assigned to the CB IRG. The regulation and
signaling of adrenergic receptors and G-protein coupled receptors as
related to hypertension, regional and microcirculation, or lymphatic
flow may be assigned to HM.
-
With the Genes, Genomes & Genetics [GGG]
IRG: Shared interests involve genetic analysis of
hypertension and microcirculation. Studies of the genetic analyses of
mechanisms of blood pressure regulation and hypertension could be
assigned to HM. Studies of quantitative genetics, genetic
epidemiology and genetic analysis of complex traits, and genetically
engineered animals with an emphasis on genetics rather than mechanisms
of blood pressure regulation and hypertension may be assigned to the GGG
IRG.
-
With the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA]
IRG: Studies on aging where the primary focus is
on hypertension or microcirculation could be assigned to HM.
Studies on the cardiovascular system that are testing hypotheses about
mechanisms of aging that affect multiple systems or non-cardiovascular
tissues could be assigned to the BDA IRG. Studies on
cardiovascular function or properties that are part of studies of
multiple age-related changes in physiology or body composition (e.g.,
fat, cardiovascular and bone) could also be assigned to the BDA
IRG.
-
With the Health of the Population [HOP]
IRG: Applications in which the primary outcomes
are population studies related to demographics or epidemiology may
generally be assigned to the HOP IRG. Applications on the
diseases, disorders, or functional consequences of behaviors could be
assigned to HM.
·
With the Risk,
Prevention, and Health Behavior [RPHB] IRG:
Behavior modification directed toward the prevention and treatment of
cardiovascular diseases, including psychological aspects, could be
assigned to the RPHB IRG. Applications on the diseases, disorders,
or functional consequences of behaviors could be assigned to
HM.
·
With the
Biobehavioral and Behavioral Processes [BBBP] IRG: Studies
emphasizing the effects of acute or chronic psychological stress on
cardiovascular endpoints, including blood pressure, may be assigned to the
BBBP IRG. Research on psychoneuroimmune and psychoneuroendocrine
mechanisms in cardiovascular function, exercise as a moderator of the
effects of stress on cardiovascular function, and interactions between
emotion, personality, psychopathology and cardiovascular function
(including reactivity) may be assigned to the BBBP IRG. Applications
on the diseases, disorders, or functional consequences of behaviors that
lead to hypertension could be assigned to HM.
·
With the
Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition and Reproductive Sciences [EMNR]
IRG: In
general, applications studying hormonal regulatory mechanisms where the
primary focus is on systemic or regional circulation, or hypertension,
including preclampsia, could be assigned to HM. Basic or clinical
studies that focus primarily on the role of hormones may be assigned to
the EMNR IRG. Applications that directly relate to maternal and
fetal cardiovascular physiology and disease could also be assigned to the
EMNR IRG.
·
With the
Respiratory Sciences [RES] IRG: In
general applications on regional blood flow could be assigned to HM.
Pulmonary blood flow studies would in general be assigned to the RES IRG.
·
With the Renal
and Urological Sciences [RUS] IRG:
Assignment of applications as they relate to hypertension, including the
role of renal hemodynamics, tubular function, and renal humoral/hormonal
agents, may be made to either the HM or the RUS IRG based on the central
focus of the study. However, clinical studies of hypertension would
be assigned to the CVS IRG. Renal hemodynamics, tubular function,
and renal humoral/hormonal agents as they affect other aspects of renal
function may be assigned to the RUS IRG. Hypertension associated
with renal insufficiency or end-stage renal disease would also be assigned
to the RUS IRG.
·
With the Brain
Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience [BDCN] IRG: Studies dealing with cerebral circulation
and hemodynamics may be assigned to HM. Studies that focus on cerebral
blood flow and metabolism in the context of neuroimaging for analysis of
brain and spinal cord disease or injury, or the functional consequences of
ischemia, hypoxia, stroke, or hypoxia on brain or spinal cord function,
could be assigned to the BDCN IRG.
[Back to Top]
Atherosclerosis and Inflammation of the
Cardiovascular System
[AICS]
[AICS
Roster]
The Atherosclerosis and Inflammation of the
Cardiovascular System [AICS] Study Section reviews applications involving
both basic and applied science related to aspects of inflammation of the
vascular system with a focus on atherosclerosis, diabetes,
transplantation, aging, autoimmunity and infection. This study section
will review applications on the pathobiology of the blood vessels leading
to atherogenesis, its reversal and prevention. A major contributor to
atherogenesis is hyperlipidemia, involving lipids, lipoproteins and their
oxidation derivatives. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory
disease. Thus studies involving inflammatory mediators, cytokines,
chemokines, cell signaling, cell migration, and reactive oxygen and
nitrogen species and their impact on the cardiovascular system are
appropriate. Major risk factors such as diabetes will be emphasized
at two levels, the generation of hyperlipidemia and the responses of the
vessel wall.
Specific areas covered by AICS:
-
Signaling in the vascular wall; immune mechanisms
in vascular inflammation; cytokines, chemokines, cell signaling,
reactive oxygen and nitrogen species influencing the vessel wall;
macrophages and T cell activation in the cardiovascular system;
transplantation immunology related to cardiovascular disease.
-
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species of LDL and in
vascular injury including nitric oxide to form peroxynitrite.
-
Hepatic lipoprotein metabolism; structure and
function of apolipoproteins, lipid metabolizing enzymes and receptors;
gene expression and regulation.
-
Reverse lipid transport; apoproteins E and A-I;
HDL; cell surface molecules in lipid efflux; ABC transporters.
-
Lipoprotein interaction with vascular cells; LDL
modification and oxidation; LDL interaction with monocyte-macrophage
forming foam cells; LDL interaction with matrix components; vascular
cell surface receptors for lipoproteins.
-
Genetics of lipoprotein metabolism; genetics of
responsiveness of cells and enzymes involved in atherogenesis.
-
Therapeutic strategies for hyperlipidemia,
inflammation and cholesterol disposal; gene therapy; hormone replacement
therapy.
-
Animal models of atherosclerosis, diabetes,
vasculitis, infection or lipid metabolic disorders (inherited or
acquired).
-
Stem cells; origin of cells of atherosclerotic
plaque and cardiovascular inflammatory foci
-
Regression of atherosclerosis; plaque
stabilization; metalloproteinases; cell and matrix remodeling.
-
Lipid mediators in vascular wall inflammation;
arachidonic acid metabolites.
-
Pro- and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in vessel
wall; nuclear hormone receptors; Peroxisome Proliferator Activated
Receptor (PPAR) and Liver X Receptor (LXR); sterol and fatty acid
ligands.
-
Insulin and diabetes effects on lipoprotein
metabolism in the liver; lipid and lipoprotein metabolism influencing
hepatic insulin action.
-
Insulin action and signaling in the vessel wall;
insulin resistance.
-
Infective and toxicological agents in promoting
vessel wall inflammation and atherosclerosis.
-
Viral or autoimmune myocarditis, Chagas disease,
rheumatic heart disease, and other infections of the cardiovascular
system, with the exception of transplant-associated infections.
There is shared interest in the pathobiology of
atherosclerosis with other sections in this IRG. Assignment to AICS will
be on the basis of a primary focus on atherosclerosis as an inflammatory
process and on diabetes. Specific shared interest may occur with
applications dealing with:
-
With Cardiac Contractility, Hypertrophy, and
Function [CCHF]: When transplantation is studied only in
relation to assessment of myocardial function, applications may be
assigned to CCHF. Applications that study inflammation of the
myocardium secondary to ischemia and the role of reactive oxygen and
nitrogen species, cytokines, and chemokines in myocardial
ischemia/reperfusion injury are appropriately assigned to AICS.
-
With Vascular Cell and Molecular Biology
[VCMB]: When the emphasis is on the biology of the
endothelium or vascular smooth muscle cell, then VCMB is appropriate.
Studies of atherogenesis or vasculitis are more appropriately assigned
to AICS. Vascular remodeling related to the refashioning of the
atherosclerotic plaque will be assigned to AICS.
-
With Myocardial Ischemia and Metabolism
[MIM]: Transplant related organ preservation is
appropriately assigned to MIM. Applications that study
inflammation of the myocardium secondary to ischemia and the role of
reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, cytokines, and chemokines in
myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury are also appropriately assigned
to MIM. Transplantation biology including transplant-related arrhythmias,
graft vasculopathy, atherosclerosis, and transplant immunobiology are
more appropriately assigned to AICS. Aspects of vascular biology related
directly to processes of vascular inflammation, atherogenesis and
atherosclerosis regression will also be assigned to AICS.
-
With Hypertension and Microcirculation
[HM]: Although a well recognized risk factor for
atherosclerosis, applications that focus on hypertension may be more
appropriately assigned to HM.
AICS has the following shared interests outside the
CVS IRG:
-
With the Genes, Genomes & Genetics [GGG]
IRG: Studies of the genetic analyses of mechanisms of
lipoprotein metabolism or atherogenesis could be assigned to AICS.
Studies of quantitative genetics, genetic epidemiology and genetic
analysis of complex traits, and genetically engineered animals with an
emphasis on genetics rather than mechanisms of lipoprotein metabolism or
atherogenesis may be assigned to the GGG IRG.
-
With the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA]
IRG: (1) Studies on aging where the primary focus
is on atherosclerosis and inflammation of the cardiovascular system
could be assigned to AICS. Studies on the cardiovascular system
that are testing hypotheses about mechanisms of aging that affect
multiple systems or non-cardiovascular tissues could be assigned to the
BDA IRG. Studies on cardiovascular function or properties that are
part of studies of multiple age-related changes in physiology or body
composition (e.g., fat, cardiovascular and bone) could be assigned to
the BDA IRG. (2) Applications studying the origin of cells, including
stem cells, of atherosclerotic plaques and cardiovascular inflammatory
foci could be assigned to AICS. BDA may be considered for more
general developmental studies. Applications that use human
embryonic stem cells might also be clustered in the BDA IRG, even if
studying cardiovascular system specific issues.
-
With the Health of the Population [HOP]
IRG: Applications in which the primary outcomes
are population studies related to demographics or epidemiology may
generally be assigned to the HOP IRG. Applications on the
diseases, disorders, or functional consequences of behaviors could be
assigned to AICS.
-
With the Risk, Prevention, and Health Behavior
[RPHB] IRG: Behavior modification directed toward the
prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including
psychological aspects, could be assigned to the RPHB IRG.
Applications on the diseases, disorders, or functional consequences of
behaviors could be assigned to AICS.
-
With the Immunology [IMM] IRG: The IMM IRG may be assigned applications
concerning the etiology and pathogenesis of organ-specific and systemic
autoimmune diseases or transplantation, particularly when the focus is
on the immune system. Studies of the immunology of cardiac
transplantation or bypass surgery and inflammation of the cardiovascular
system as related to atherosclerosis, diabetes, autoimmune myocarditis
and other immune-related cardiovascular inflammations could be assigned
to AICS when the focus is on the function of the cardiovascular
system. AICS is complementary to the IMM IRG with respect to those
applications requiring expertise in pathogenic effector mechanisms and
specific factors or structures relevant to target organ damage and
repair. Similarly, the IMM IRG is complementary to AICS with
respect to those applications requiring expertise in immunopathogenic
mechanisms. Areas of unavoidable shared interest such as the
immunology of cardiac transplantation would be resolved according to the
central focus of the application.
-
With the Infectious Diseases and Microbiology [IDM]
IRG: Studies of infectious diseases directly
related to cardiovascular system injury, inflammation and function may
be assigned to AICS. Studies that focus on the pathogen rather
than their effect on the cardiovascular system may be assigned to the
IDM IRG.
-
With the Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition and
Reproductive Sciences [EMNR] IRG: Proposals that focus primarily upon lipid
metabolism, or the effects of obesity, diabetes, or dietary changes on
the whole body or multiple organ systems may be assigned to the EMNR
IRG. Applications dealing primarily with the role of lipids in the
inflammation of the vascular system, particularly atherosclerosis, could
be assigned to AICS.
-
With the Digestive Sciences [DIG]
IRG: Applications on the biochemistry of elevated
plasma lipids and lipoproteins or xenobiotics in the intestine and liver
may be assigned to AICS when the focus is on atherosclerosis and
inflammation in the cardiovascular system. Applications dealing
with cholesterol and lipid metabolism and xenobiotic metabolism as it
relates to bile salt metabolism and excretion, and the role of cytokines
and nitric oxide in the pathogenesis of liver diseases could be assigned
to the DIG IRG.
-
With the Surgical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering [SBIB] IRG: In general,
systemic host injury responses to surgery and post-operative
disseminated infection (sepsis) would be referred to the SBIB IRG.
Inflammatory injury to the cardiovascular system in a non-surgical
context would be referred to AICS.
[Back to Top]
Clinical and Integrative Cardiovascular Sciences
[CICS]
[CICS
Roster]
Specific areas covered by CICS:
-
Human clinical studies, including pediatric
populations, of mechanisms and consequences of disease.
Investigations may include coronary physiology and pharmacology, cardiac
electrophysiology, regional circulations, hemodynamic studies, cardiac
mechanics and cardiovascular genetic studies. Disease states
can include cardiac or vascular ischemia, hypertension, diabetes,
thyroid disease, atherosclerosis or hypercholesterolemia.
-
Clinical, population or integrative, whole animal
studies of the responses of the cardiovascular system to trauma or
surgery, including arrhythmias associated with cardiac surgery or
cardiopulmonary bypass, the use of stents, pacemakers, etc., in
cardiovascular injury and repair, and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion
injury.
-
Environmental stresses. Smoking, altitude,
heat, cold, environmental pollution in patients ranging from childhood
to adolescence, adult, pregnancy and aging.
-
Allopathic and alternative or complementary
therapies, excluding large multicenter clinical trials and surveys or
studies confined to tissue analysis.
-
Exercise. Human and animal models
investigating the influence of acute and chronic exercise on cardiac and
vascular smooth muscle, neural and humoral systems involved in
cardiovascular regulation, vascular endothelial function, specific
regional circulations, and gene expression in cardiovascular system may
be included. In addition, studies of the adaptive responsiveness
of cardiac mechanical, contractile, and metabolic function to acute and
chronic exercise in both human and animal models are included.
-
Modulation of cardiovascular responses and
adaptations by disease and environment. Disorders, such as
atherosclerosis, diabetes, ischemia, hypertension, environmental or
modifying conditions, and stimuli, such as microgravity, smoking,
pollutants, altitude, bed rest, aging, neonatal, maternal and
deconditioning, among others, are included.
-
Neural control of the cardiovascular system in
health and disease. This includes autonomic physiology involving
all aspects of reflex arcs (including afferent, central neural
integration and efferent/effector organ. Mechanisms of afferent
activation of mechano- and chemosensitive sensory endings. Central
mechanisms, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and receptor
mechanisms from the organ to subcellular elements, including gene
expression, interactions between brain stem and higher brain areas for
long and short loop reflexes, and efferent or autonomic
regulation.
-
Study of Prevention. This includes
modification of cardiovascular risk factors that potentially influence
cardiovascular function and neural control of cardiovascular
function. Examples could include alterations of glycemic state,
blood pressure or lipids or cessation of smoking on cardiovascular
function. Pharmacological, dietary and lifestyle modifications of
these risk factors may be included. Conventional, alternative or
complementary therapies will be reviewed.
CICS has the following shared interests within the
CVS IRG:
There is a shared interest in the study of clinical
cardiovascular physiology and pathology with other study sections in this
IRG. Clinical trials of small numbers of patients that investigate
mechanisms involving particular expertise on other study sections within
the IRG may be assigned to these study sections. For example,
studies of polygenic cardiovascular diseases may be assigned to CICS,
while monogenic studies may be assigned to one of the other cardiovascular
sciences study sections.
·
With Cardiac
Contractility, Hypertrophy and Failure [CCHF]:
Clinical, population and integrative studies may be more appropriately
assigned to CICS.
-
With Electrical Signaling, Ion Transport and Arrhythmias
[ESTA]: Applications that deal with the mechanisms
of arrhythmogenesis are the purview of ESTA, while CICS may more
appropriately be assigned those that are outcome-based.
-
With Myocardial Ischemia and Metabolism
[MIM]: Studies that focus on the mechanism of
myocardial injury and/or myocardial preservation are appropriately
assigned to MIM. Applications that examine myocardial
ischemia/reperfusion in the context of focused clinical, population, and
integrative studies may be more appropriately assigned to CICS.
-
With Atherosclerosis and Inflammation of the
Cardiovascular System [AICS]: While applications on the genetics and mechanism
of atherosclerosis should be directed to AICS, patient-oriented research
applications that focus on genetics and mechanisms involved in the
modification of risk factors (such as lipid dysfunction) may be more
appropriately assigned to CICS.
CICS has the following shared interests outside the
CVS IRG:
-
With the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA]
IRG: Studies on aging where the primary focus is
on clinical studies of the cardiovascular system could be assigned to
CICS. Studies on the cardiovascular system that are testing
hypotheses about mechanisms of aging that affect multiple systems or
non-cardiovascular tissues could be assigned to the BDA IRG.
Studies on cardiovascular function or properties that are part of
studies of multiple age-related changes in physiology or body
composition (e.g., fat, cardiovascular and bone) could be assigned to
the BDA IRG.
-
With the Health of the Population [HOP]
IRG: Applications in which the primary outcomes
are population studies related to demographics or epidemiology may
generally be assigned to the HOP IRG. Applications on the
diseases, disorders, or functional consequences of behaviors could be
assigned to CICS.
-
With the Risk, Prevention, and Health Behavior
[RPHB] IRG: Behavior modification directed toward the
prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including
psychological aspects, could be assigned to the RPHB IRG.
Applications on the diseases, disorders, or functional consequences of
behaviors could be assigned to CICS.
-
With the Biobehavioral and Behavioral Processes
[BBBP] IRG: Studies emphasizing the effects of acute or
chronic psychological stress on cardiovascular endpoints, including
blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and ischemia may be assigned to
the BBBP IRG. Research on psychoneuroimmune and psychoneuroendocrine
mechanisms in cardiovascular function, exercise as a moderator of the
effects of stress on cardiovascular function, and interactions between
emotion, personality, psychopathology and cardiovascular function
(including reactivity) may be assigned to the BBBP IRG. Applications on
the diseases, disorders, or functional consequences of behaviors could
be assigned to CICS.
-
With the Hematology [HEME], Endocrinology,
Metabolism, Nutrition and Reproductive Sciences [EMNR], Respiratory
Sciences [RES], Renal and Urological Sciences [RUS], and Integrative,
Functional and Cognitive Neurosciences [IFCN] IRGs: When the primary emphasis of clinical studies
is on the cardiovascular system, including its response to neural
control, applications may be assigned to CICS. When the primary
emphasis of a multi-system clinical study is not on the cardiovascular
system, the application could be assigned to the relevant organ system
IRG.
-
With the Musculoskeletal, Oral and Skin Sciences
[MOSS] IRG: The MOSS IRG and CICS have complementary
roles and mutual interests. (1) In general, the influence of
exercise on the cardiovascular system would be assigned to CICS.
Similar studies where the primary focus is on the musculoskeletal system
could be assigned to the MOSS IRG. Studies that focus on blood
flow in skeletal muscle in response to exercise would be assigned on the
basis of the central interests of the application.
-
With the Surgical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering [SBIB] IRG: (1) Transplantation applications focused on
the surgical aspects of organ preservation or organ allocation may be
assigned to SBIB. Patient oriented or whole animal research on the
responses of the cardiovascular system to trauma, surgery, including
transplantation, or other physiologic stress may be assigned to CICS.
(2) Studies of arrhythmias associated with cardiac surgery or
cardiopulmonary bypass can be appropriately assigned either in the SBIB
IRG or CICS, with CICS focused more on cardiovascular evaluation. (3)
Patient-oriented or whole animal research on the use of stents,
pacemakers, etc., in cardiovascular injury and repair are appropriate
for CICS. Those involving more general aspects of bioengineering could
be assigned to SBIB IRG. (4) Patient-oriented or whole animal studies of
myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury associated with cardiac surgery
or cardiopulmonary bypass can be appropriately assigned either in the
SBIB IRG or to CICS, with CICS focused more on cardiovascular evaluation
of surgical or bypass procedures.
[Back to Top]
Cardiovascular Sciences
Small Business Activities [SBIR/STTR] Special
Emphasis Panel
[CVS Small Business SEP - CVS (10)]
[SBIR/STTR Study Section Rosters]
Specific areas covered by the CVS Small Business
SEP:
The Cardiovascular Sciences Small Business Activities
Special Emphasis Panel [CVS (10)] will consider SBIR and STTR research
applications that focus primarily on heart and circulatory system
diagnostics, devices and therapies. Investigators may employ a range
of approaches that include genetics, genomics and proteomics, molecular,
cell, and computational biology, biochemistry, biophysics and
bioengineering, imaging, analyses of model organisms, and human
studies.
The CVS Small Business SEP has the following shared
interests outside the CVS IRG:
-
With the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA]
IRG: In general, applications studying the use of
stem cell technology for cardiovascular specific issues could be
assigned to the CVS Small Business SEP. BDA may be considered for
more general developmental studies. Applications that use human
embryonic stem cells might also be clustered in the BDA IRG, even if
studying cardiovascular system specific issues.
-
With the Bioengineering Sciences and Technologies
[BST] IRG: (1) Applications to develop fundamental
bioengineering methods, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic
interventions, and computational/modeling approaches could be assigned
to the BST IRG, whereas those proposing development and validation of
methods focusing on evaluation of cardiac and vascular function could be
assigned to the CVS Small Business SEP. (2) Proposals on bioengineering
related specifically to devices, gene therapy, and computational
modeling approaches for cardiovascular disease (stents, pacemakers,
etc.) and their use in cardiovascular injury and repair may be assigned
to the CVS Small Business SEP. Those involving more general
aspects of devices (including materials and surfaces), gene therapy
(including delivery systems), and computational modeling approaches
could be assigned to the BST IRG.
-
With the Risk, Prevention, and Health Behavior
[RPHB] IRG and the Health of the Population [HOP] IRG: Studies of behavior modification, including
health education or training, directed toward the prevention and
treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including psychological aspects,
could be assigned to the RPHB IRG or to the HOP IRG, depending upon the
level of analysis and the nature of the intervention. Applications
focused on cardiovascular diseases, disorders, or functional
consequences of behaviors could be assigned to the CVS Small Business
SEP. Health education or training directed to the health care
provider, not the patient, should also be assigned to the CVS Small
Business SEP.
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With the Hematology [HEME] IRG: Shared interest may exist concerning the use
of common hematopoietic stem cell precursors. Assignment of
applications that involve the transdifferentiation of cells between the
blood and endothelial cell types would be resolved in the direction of
the final phenotype, i.e., stem cell plasticity. For example, if the
final phenotype of the differentiated tissue is a blood cell the
application may be assigned to the HEME IRG. If the final
phenotype of the differentiated tissue is a vascular smooth muscle cells
then assignment to the CVS Small Business SEP may be appropriate.
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With the Surgical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering [SBIB] IRG: Applications to develop fundamental imaging
methods or early stages of development of sensors may be assigned to the
SBIB IRG, whereas those proposing development and validation of methods
focusing on evaluation of cardiovascular function could be assigned to
the CVS Small Business SEP. Proposals on bioengineering related
specifically to devices for cardiovascular disease (stents, pacemakers,
etc.) and their use in cardiovascular injury and repair are appropriate
for the CVS Small Business SEP. Those involving more general
aspects of device bioengineering could be assigned to the SBIB IRG.
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