Advances in Annexin Biology

Dear Colleagues,

Annexins are a fascinating family of proteins that play crucial roles in how cells communicate, adapt, and respond to their environment. By binding to cell membranes in a calcium-dependent manner, annexins are involved in a wide range of cellular processes, including inflammation, membrane repair, signal transduction, apoptosis, and even from cancer development, differentiation to progression. In recent years, interest in annexins has grown significantly thanks to their biological relevance and to advances in high-resolution imaging techniques and the breakthroughs in molecular biology and gene editing tools. Together, these advances have transformed annexins from relatively obscure membrane-associated proteins into dynamic regulators of essential cellular processes. This growing understanding pays the way to new opportunities in the investigation of annexins as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in diseases where their expression could be dysregulated and functions notably affected. In this context, an example of one of the most intriguing aspects of annexin biology is their emerging role in tumor progression and in mediating the crosstalk between cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment, a dynamic network of immune cells, stromal cells, extracellular matrix, and soluble factors. Additionally, annexins are known to further regulate the secretion of inflammatory mediators, extracellular vesicles (like exosomes), and even immune mechanisms both in physiological and pathological systems. By influencing these communication routes, annexins help create a microenvironment that supports tumor growth, angiogenesis, and immune suppression.

This Special Issue, "Advances in Annexin Biology," invites contributions that explore the multifaceted functions of annexins in cell behavior. We welcome original studies, reviews, and communications focused on how annexins act in both normal physiology and disease states. Whether you are studying their molecular mechanisms, interactions with other proteins or lipids, or their potential as therapeutic targets or biomarkers, this Special Issue aims to bring together a broad spectrum of insights.

Dr. Raffaella Belvedere
Prof. Dr. Antonello Petrella
Dr. Nunzia Novizio
Guest Editors

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