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Innovative Molecular Strategies in Biomedicine
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Innovative Molecular Strategies in Biomedicine

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2025 | Viewed by 4447

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Rui Vitorino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine iBiMED, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Interests: proteomic; bioinformatic; body fluids; integrative analysis; pipelines
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to highlight the rapid advances in molecular sciences and biotechnology that have opened new avenues for biomedical research and therapeutics. We emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of the current challenges in this field and the groundbreaking potential of innovative methods to tackle these complex problems.

The topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Bioprinting on organ-on-chip development and applications: We invite research that explores the integration of bioprinting technologies with organ-on-chip systems. The focus is on how these innovative platforms can mimic human physiology for applications in drug testing, disease modeling and personalized medicine.
  2. Development of novel cancer therapies from snake venom: Contributions are invited for research into peptides and proteins from snake venom as potential cancer therapies. Submissions should include studies on their mechanisms of action, specificity and efficacy in preclinical models.
  3. Bioprinting of 3D in vitro skeletal muscle models: We are seeking papers on the use of bioprinting to produce three-dimensional skeletal muscle models. These models are crucial for the study of muscle physiology and disease, and the development of new therapeutic strategies.
  4. Production of toxic peptides and peptide expression: Contributions are sought on the production and expression of toxic peptides, with a focus on new methods for their synthesis, characterization and potential applications in biomedicine.
  5. Nanoparticles functionalized with toxins: Research on the functionalization of nanoparticles with toxin-derived peptides or proteins for targeted drug delivery, imaging and therapy. Submissions should focus on the design, synthesis and biomedical applications of these nanoparticles.
  6. An update on protein and peptide drug delivery strategies: We solicit reviews and original research articles on the latest protein and peptide drug delivery strategies. Topics of interest include advances in delivery systems, formulation techniques and overcoming biological barriers.
  7. Peptides and peptide-based biomaterials: Papers are sought on the development and application of peptide-based biomaterials in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and drug delivery. The contributions should highlight their biocompatibility, bioactivity and functionalization.
  8. Self-assembled peptide-based hydrogels: Submissions on the design and application of self-assembled peptide-based hydrogels are encouraged. These hydrogels are used as scaffolds for tissue engineering, as controlled release drug delivery systems and as matrices for 3D cell culture.

The integration of bioinformatics tools and methods is critical to achieving the goals of this special issue. By looking at complex biomedical challenges through the lens of bioinformatics, we can improve our understanding of molecular mechanisms, increase the precision of bioprinting techniques and facilitate the discovery of new therapeutic strategies. This Special Issue aims to not only present cutting-edge research, but also stimulate further interdisciplinary collaboration in the search for innovative solutions in biomedical research and therapy.

Dr. Rui Vitorino
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bioprinting
  • organ-on-chip
  • venom-derived therapeutics
  • 3D in vitro models
  • skeletal muscle models
  • toxic peptides
  • peptide expression
  • nanoparticles in medicine
  • protein and peptide drug delivery
  • peptide-based biomaterials
  • self-assembled hydrogels
  • molecular therapeutics
  • nanotechnology in drug delivery
  • regenerative medicine
  • tissue engineering

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2095 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields with Low Induction and Red LED Light on Keratinocyte Biological Activity—An In Vitro Research Model
by Renata Woźniacka, Agnieszka Lechowska-Liszka, Beata Stenka, Aneta Bac, Joanna Homa, Magdalena Chadzińska and Anna Ścisłowska-Czarnecka
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12099; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212099 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 361
Abstract
For several decades, there has been growing interest in the influence of low-frequency magnetic fields (LFMFs) and red LED light on the healing process. Keratinocytes are cells that play a significant role in the process of wound healing and tissue regeneration. A human [...] Read more.
For several decades, there has been growing interest in the influence of low-frequency magnetic fields (LFMFs) and red LED light on the healing process. Keratinocytes are cells that play a significant role in the process of wound healing and tissue regeneration. A human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) was exposed to an LFMF with low induction (180–195 Hz; 60 µT, magnetostimulation), red LED light (630 nm; 300 mW, LED therapy), and their combined action (magneto-LED therapy) in in vitro culture conditions. On day 4 and 8 of the experiment, the following parameters were determined: adhesion/proliferation, adenylate kinase (AK), nitric oxide (NO), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, TNF-α), metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9), and collagen IV. It was shown that magnetostimulation caused an increase in keratinocyte adhesion/proliferation and IL-8 secretion and a decrease in IL-12 secretion. The LED therapy resulted in a transient increase in the secretion of NO and cytokines IL-1, IL-12, and IL-6 in keratinocytes. The use of magneto-LED therapy resulted in an increase in keratinocyte adhesion/proliferation, the secretion of cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, and NO with a simultaneous decrease in MMP-9 secretion. The results of our studies showed that the action of an LFMF with low-induction and LED light on keratinocytes can modulate the biological activity of keratinocytes towards improving the skin healing process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Molecular Strategies in Biomedicine)
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Review

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18 pages, 2003 KiB  
Review
Systematic Review of Peptide CAQK: Properties, Applications, and Outcomes
by Jose A. Castillo, Jr., Michael Nhien Le, Amanda Ratcliff, Khadija Soufi, Kuanwei Huang, Sina Vatoofy, Arash Ghaffari-Rafi, Samuel Emerson, Elizabeth Reynolds, Christopher Pivetti, Kaitlin Clark, Allan Martin, Richard Price, Kee Kim, Aijun Wang and Rachel Russo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(20), 10990; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252010990 - 12 Oct 2024
Viewed by 764
Abstract
Many central nervous system (CNS) disorders lack approved treatment options. Previous research demonstrated that peptide CAQK can bind to chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) in the extracellular matrix of the CNS. In vivo studies have investigated CAQK conjugated to nanoparticles containing therapeutic agents with [...] Read more.
Many central nervous system (CNS) disorders lack approved treatment options. Previous research demonstrated that peptide CAQK can bind to chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) in the extracellular matrix of the CNS. In vivo studies have investigated CAQK conjugated to nanoparticles containing therapeutic agents with varying methodologies/outcomes. This paper presents the first systematic review assessing its properties, applications, and outcomes secondary to its use. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was performed across multiple databases. Studies utilizing CAQK as a therapeutic agent/homing molecule in animal/human models were selected. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Mice and rats were the predominant animal models. All studies except one used CAQK to deliver a therapeutic agent. The reviewed studies mostly included models of brain and spinal cord injuries. Most studies had intravenous administration of CAQK. All studies demonstrated various benefits and that CAQK conjugation facilitated localization to target tissues. No studies directly evaluated the effects of CAQK alone. The data are limited by the heterogeneity in study methodologies and the lack of direct comparison between CAQK and conjugated agents. Overall, these findings present CAQK utilization to deliver a therapeutic agent as a promising targeting strategy in the management of disorders where CSPGs are upregulated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Molecular Strategies in Biomedicine)
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22 pages, 1479 KiB  
Review
Restoring Skeletal Muscle Health through Exercise in Breast Cancer Patients and after Receiving Chemotherapy
by Inês Aires, José Alberto Duarte, Rui Vitorino, Daniel Moreira-Gonçalves, Paula Oliveira and Rita Ferreira
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7533; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147533 - 9 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1771
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) stands out as the most commonly type of cancer diagnosed in women worldwide, and chemotherapy, a key component of treatment, exacerbates cancer-induced skeletal muscle wasting, contributing to adverse health outcomes. Notably, the impact of chemotherapy on skeletal muscle seems to [...] Read more.
Breast cancer (BC) stands out as the most commonly type of cancer diagnosed in women worldwide, and chemotherapy, a key component of treatment, exacerbates cancer-induced skeletal muscle wasting, contributing to adverse health outcomes. Notably, the impact of chemotherapy on skeletal muscle seems to surpass that of the cancer itself, with inflammation identified as a common trigger for muscle wasting in both contexts. In skeletal muscle, pro-inflammatory cytokines modulate pathways crucial for the delicate balance between protein synthesis and breakdown, as well as satellite cell activation and myonuclear accretion. Physical exercise consistently emerges as a crucial therapeutic strategy to counteract cancer and chemotherapy-induced muscle wasting, ultimately enhancing patients’ quality of life. However, a “one size fits all” approach does not apply to the prescription of exercise for BC patients, with factors such as age, menopause and comorbidities influencing the response to exercise. Hence, tailored exercise regimens, considering factors such as duration, frequency, intensity, and type, are essential to maximize efficacy in mitigating muscle wasting and improving disease outcomes. Despite the well-established anti-inflammatory role of aerobic exercise, resistance exercise proves equally or more beneficial in terms of mass and strength gain, as well as enhancing quality of life. This review comprehensively explores the molecular pathways affected by distinct exercise regimens in the skeletal muscle of cancer patients during chemotherapy, providing critical insights for precise exercise implementation to prevent skeletal muscle wasting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Molecular Strategies in Biomedicine)
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24 pages, 872 KiB  
Review
Peptides Used for Heavy Metal Remediation: A Promising Approach
by Yingyong Luo, Yunfeng Zhang, Zhuang Xiong, Xiaodie Chen, Ajia Sha, Wenqi Xiao, Lianxin Peng, Liang Zou, Jialiang Han and Qiang Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(12), 6717; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126717 - 18 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1201
Abstract
In recent years, heavy metal pollution has become increasingly prominent, severely damaging ecosystems and biodiversity, and posing a serious threat to human health. However, the results of current methods for heavy metal restoration are not satisfactory, so it is urgent to find a [...] Read more.
In recent years, heavy metal pollution has become increasingly prominent, severely damaging ecosystems and biodiversity, and posing a serious threat to human health. However, the results of current methods for heavy metal restoration are not satisfactory, so it is urgent to find a new and effective method. Peptides are the units that make up proteins, with small molecular weights and strong biological activities. They can effectively repair proteins by forming complexes, reducing heavy metal ions, activating the plant’s antioxidant defense system, and promoting the growth and metabolism of microorganisms. Peptides show great potential for the remediation of heavy metal contamination due to their special structure and properties. This paper reviews the research progress in recent years on the use of peptides to remediate heavy metal pollution, describes the mechanisms and applications of remediation, and provides references for the remediation of heavy metal pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Molecular Strategies in Biomedicine)
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