Research in Structure and Function of Proteins
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biophysics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 April 2025 | Viewed by 1344
Special Issue Editor
Interests: vaccines; infectious diseases; molecular immunology; epitopes; neglected diseases; biochemistry; molecular biology; proteins; structure; cell biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
As the fundamental building blocks of life, proteins play an indispensable role in the intricate dance of cellular, physiological, and immunological processes. Emerging from the intricate decoding of DNA, proteins stand as the ultimate manifestation of genetic information. Within the bustling confines of the cell, these molecular workhorses take on multifaceted roles, serving as both the architectural scaffolding and the dynamic catalysts that drive biological reactions. At the heart of their versatility lies a remarkably elegant code crafted from the four-letter alphabet of DNA. This code, composed of sequences of amino acids, dictates the folding and arrangement of proteins into a bewildering array of structures, each tailored to fulfil a specific function. From the robust fibres of collagen that provide structural support to tissues to the agile molecular motors that power cellular movement, proteins embody the remarkable diversity encoded within the genome.
Moreover, proteins are the orchestrators of biochemical transformations and may serve as antigens driving specific immune responses and therapeutic approaches. Their cluster of amino acids and particular segments act as catalysts and bind protein–protein and many other functions and reactions that would otherwise proceed slowly, enabling life-sustaining processes to unfold remarkably. Whether they are enzymes that facilitate the breakdown of nutrients for energy or the signalling proteins that regulate cellular communication, proteins serve as the linchpins of biological activity. Yet, amidst this complexity lies a simplicity that belies the astonishing intricacy of protein function. Though composed of just a handful of building blocks, the genetic code possesses an extraordinary capacity to generate an endless array of protein structures, each finely tuned to its specific task. This remarkable simplicity-in-complexity underscores the beauty and elegance of life's molecular machinery driven by their level of structure. From their structural support to their catalytic prowess, proteins epitomize biological systems’ remarkable adaptability and efficiency, serving as a testament to the awe-inspiring complexity of life itself. This Special Issue aims to bring together works that describe the advancement of sciences involved in studying the structure of proteins, including enzymes, structural proteins, membranes, and all living organisms. It is also open to work involving bioinformatics and study methodologies at the four structural levels, the interplay between these physical levels, and the different immunological and antigenic vaccine aspects and drug development. Considering the substantial information accumulated in the past, we believe that a comprehensive set of articles from experts for this Special Issue would be of great value to many researchers.
Dr. Salvatore Giovanni De Simone
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- protein–protein interactions
- drug development
- building blocks
- immunological aspects
- biological aspects.
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