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Extraction, Identification and Quantification of Bioactive Molecules

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 871

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Interests: bioactive molecules; pharmacogenetics; pediatrics; genomics; drug
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Interests: hypercholesterolemia; diabetes; osteoporosis; nafld; mediterranean diet; liposomes; nanoparticles

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Although scientific and technological progress led to the identification of countless bioactive molecules, every day new compounds potentially active on biological compartments are identified. This Special Issue collects all the innovations that concern the different bioactive molecules, from the multiple extraction processes that allow their isolation from countless matrices, to their chemical-physical characterization, through accurate quantification and analysis methods that allow to outline their biological activity.

Proposals should emphasize cutting-edge techniques for the efficient extraction of bioactive molecules from diverse biological matrices, such as plants, microorganisms, or marine organisms. Manuscripts should describe in detail the identification and structural characterization of these compounds, employing cutting-edge analytical tools such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, or advanced chromatographic methods. Quantitative analyses should be thorough, offering precise and reproducible methods that adhere to rigorous validation protocols. The biological activity of identified molecules should be elucidated, with potential implications for therapeutic, nutraceutical, or agricultural applications clearly articulated. Authors should ensure full methodological transparency, including statistical analysis, to facilitate reproducibility and scientific rigor. The broader significance of the results, including potential health or industry impacts, may also be discussed.

Dr. Francesca Scionti
Dr. Rosario Mare
Guest Editors

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

  • extracts
  • botanicals
  • nutraceuticals
  • bioactive molecules
  • spectrometry
  • spectrophotometer
  • chromatography
  • western blotting
  • molecular mechanisms

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

27 pages, 1449 KiB  
Review
Proteins and DNA Sequences Interacting with Tanshinones and Tanshinone Derivatives
by Piotr Szymczyk, Małgorzata Majewska and Jadwiga Nowak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(2), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26020848 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 597
Abstract
Tanshinones, biologically active diterpene compounds derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza, interact with specific proteins and DNA sequences, influencing signaling pathways in animals and humans. This study highlights tanshinone–protein interactions observed at concentrations achievable in vivo, ensuring greater physiological relevance compared to in vitro [...] Read more.
Tanshinones, biologically active diterpene compounds derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza, interact with specific proteins and DNA sequences, influencing signaling pathways in animals and humans. This study highlights tanshinone–protein interactions observed at concentrations achievable in vivo, ensuring greater physiological relevance compared to in vitro studies that often employ supraphysiological ligand levels. Experimental data suggest that while tanshinones interact with multiple proteomic targets, only a few enzymes are significantly affected at biologically relevant concentrations. This apparent paradox may be resolved by tanshinones’ ability to bind DNA and influence enzymes involved in gene expression or mRNA stability, such as RNA polymerase II and human antigen R protein. These interactions trigger secondary, widespread changes in gene expression, leading to complex proteomic alterations. Although the current understanding of tanshinone–protein interactions remains incomplete, this study provides a foundation for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of S. miltiorrhiza diterpenes. Additionally, numerous tanshinone derivatives have been developed to enhance pharmacokinetic properties and biological activity. However, their safety profiles remain poorly characterized, limiting comprehensive insights into their medicinal potential. Further investigation is essential to fully elucidate the therapeutic and toxicological properties of both native and modified tanshinones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Identification and Quantification of Bioactive Molecules)
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