Translating cardiovascular ion channel and Ca 2+ signalling mechanisms into therapeutic insights

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, driven by complex, multiscale mechanisms that span molecular, cellular and organ-level dysfunction. Effective therapeutic strategies therefore require integrative approaches that link fundamental biology to translational applications. The 8th UC Davis CardioVascular Symposium gathered experts in ion channel biophysics, Ca2+ signalling, arrhythmia mechanisms and cardiovascular physiology to discuss recent advances and define emerging priorities. This white paper synthesizes the key themes and consensus points that emerged, highlighting progress in two core domains: (1) advances in cardiovascular electrophysiology and arrhythmia mechanisms, and (2) spatiotemporal dynamics of Ca2+ signalling in cardiac and vascular function and remodelling. We also identify conceptual and technical challenges that must be addressed to accelerate therapeutic discovery and emphasize cross-cutting opportunities where experimental and computational approaches can converge. By integrating ion channel biology and Ca2+ signalling mechanisms across scales, this work outlines new directions for advancing cardiovascular research and treatment.