Molecular biology of the normal and failing heart

Abstract

Identification of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) double-helix structure by Watson and Crick in 1953 is one of the most significant scientific discoveries (Watson et al., Nature, 171(4356):737-8, 1953). This landmark revelation ushered in the molecular millennium and was critical in establishing the field of molecular medicine. Through significant advances in technology and research in molecular cardiovascular sciences, the molecular and genetic causes of cardiovascular diseases have begun to be established. Further mechanistic insight into cardiovascular disorders has deciphered genetic causes of disease states, established molecular mechanisms for pathophysiological findings, and has resulted in the generation of new therapies to treat these diseases and arrest disease progression. This chapter provides an overview of the current understanding of molecular biology and its impact on cardiovascular medicine.