Cellular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products and Their Derivatives Against Human Disease

Dear Colleagues,

Natural products from microorganisms, plants, and marine life have long been the mainstay of pharmacotherapy. Interest in these biocatalysts has resurfaced in recent decades due to the convergence of cutting-edge chemical isolation methods and contemporary molecular biology. Even though synthetic drug discovery has advanced significantly, natural compounds continue to be an unmatched source of biochemical specificity and structural diversity. These days, they provide vital support for addressing intricate, multifaceted diseases that still pose difficulties for international healthcare systems.

Innovative therapeutic approaches are required due to the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, including metabolic, inflammatory, neurodegenerative, and cancerous disorders. Natural products and their semi-synthetic derivatives are in a unique position to address this need because of their capacity to simultaneously modulate several dysregulated cellular pathways. However, a thorough, mechanistic understanding of these promising molecules' biological actions is necessary in order to convert them from crude extracts to targeted therapeutics. In modern medicine, confirming their safety and effectiveness requires bridging the gap between exact molecular characterization and empirical screening.

The goal of this Special Issue is to showcase and share the latest developments in the identification, description, and assessment of bioactive natural substances. We take into account contributions that discuss the specific biochemical processes, intracellular signaling cascades, and epigenetic changes that these agents induce. This Special Issue aims to present the translational potential and mechanistic underpinnings of natural products in reducing human disease by bringing together interdisciplinary research.

Dr. Elia Ranzato
Guest Editor

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