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Molecular Biology in Drug Design and Precision Therapy, 2nd Edition
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Molecular Biology in Drug Design and Precision Therapy, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 1264

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Cristina Manuela Dragoi

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Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: fasting; biochemistry; chronobiology; drug interactions; mechanisms of action; pharmaceutical research; molecular pharmacology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ion-Bogdan Dumitrescu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: fasting; pharmaceutical 3D printing; computer-aided design; clinical pharmacy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Alina Crenguta Nicolae

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: fastng; biochemistry; carbapenem derivative; Klebsiella; gentamicins; pharmacotherapy; prolongation; COVID-19; antihypertensive agents; thiazides; blood pressure
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The realm of drug design is currently at the core of a remarkable transformation, marked by the exploration of groundbreaking approaches that exceed conventional norms and expectations. Central to this evolution is a comprehensive grasp of the molecular underpinnings that drive various diseases, coupled with the continuous refinement and advancement of cutting-edge tools and technologies. Drawing upon insights from disciplines such as molecular biology, computational chemistry and bioinformatics, researchers are equipped with sophisticated means to delve into the intricate mechanisms of biological systems in order to better understand the genesis and development of diseases and to foster tailored interventions that target specific molecular pathways. This integration of diverse scientific fields not only enhances our understanding of disease processes but also expands the horizons of drug design, paving the way for the creation of more effective and precisely targeted therapies. Thus, the current era of drug design represents a convergence of scientific ingenuity and technological innovation, meant to revolutionize the landscape of modern medicine.

The Special Issue "Molecular Biology in Drug Design and Precision Therapy, 2nd Edition" aims to explore the interplay between molecular biology and the development of novel therapeutic strategies, with a particular focus on precision medicine. In biomedical research, molecular biology has a tremendous role in elucidating the fundamental mechanisms implicated in disease pathogenesis, simplifying the road to targeted therapies tailored to individual patients.

This Special Issue invites contributions that explore the molecular intricacies of disease processes, encompassing a wide array of topics such as molecular signaling pathways, gene expression regulation, protein interactions and cellular mechanisms implicated in disease progression. Emphasizing the molecular level of investigation, manuscripts are encouraged to elucidate the molecular targets of therapeutic interventions, as well as mechanisms of drug action and resistance, and explore the potential of precision medicine approaches to optimize treatment outcomes. Furthermore, this Special Issue seeks to showcase cutting-edge methodologies and technologies utilized in molecular biology research, including next-generation sequencing, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and computational modeling. Through a comprehensive understanding of molecular mechanisms, this Special Issue aims to drive advancements in drug discovery, development and personalized therapy, ultimately translating molecular insights into improved clinical outcomes for patients.

Contributions from researchers across diverse disciplines, including molecular biology, pharmacology, biochemistry and biotechnology, are welcome, to foster interdisciplinary dialog and innovation in the field of drug design and precision therapy. We further invite scientists and drug specialists to publish their original research works, review articles and communications on this wide health domain.

You can read the publications in first volume here:

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/cimb/special_issues/DDDVCOW8MU

Dr. Cristina Manuela Dragoi
Dr. Ion-Bogdan Dumitrescu
Dr. Alina Crenguta Nicolae
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Current Issues in Molecular Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). 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

  • molecular biology
  • drug design
  • molecular targets
  • disease mechanisms
  • structural biology
  • computational chemistry
  • pharmacology
  • precision medicine
  • molecular pathways
  • personalized therapy
  • drug research

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1122 KB  
Article
Gene Factors and Serotypes Related to Polysaccharide and Protein-Based Candidate Vaccines Among Streptococcus agalactiae Isolates
by Vasil S. Boyanov, Alexandra S. Alexandrova and Raina T. Gergova
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(4), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48040399 - 14 Apr 2026
Viewed by 176
Abstract
A new strategy to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with invasive Streptococcus agalactiae (Streptococcus group B, GBS) diseases encompasses the development of vaccines. Candidate vaccines at different stages of clinical trials have been developed on capsular polysaccharides or protein antigens. We studied [...] Read more.
A new strategy to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with invasive Streptococcus agalactiae (Streptococcus group B, GBS) diseases encompasses the development of vaccines. Candidate vaccines at different stages of clinical trials have been developed on capsular polysaccharides or protein antigens. We studied 328 GBS isolates identified using routine microbiological tests, latex-agglutination, and PCRs. The samples were categorised into two main groups: vaginal (69.2%) and extra-vaginal (30.8%). The molecular serotyping and target gene factors were determined using singleplex or multiplex PCRs. The most common serotypes identified were Ia (24.7%), V (22.0%), and III (18.9%). Serotypes I–V constituted a total of 89.0%. The non-typeable were 9.8%. The frequency of genes included in the recombinant GBS-NN (rib + bca) and GBS-NN2 (epsilon + alp2/3) vaccines were 54.3% and 40.8%. We noted a significant prevalence in the distribution of serotypes II, III, and non-typeable in GBS-NN, whereas serotypes Ia and IV were predominant in GBS-NN2. The serotype prevalence identified in our research was consistent with the data from our region and confirmed the predominance of the six main serotypes included in the hexavalent conjugated vaccine. We highlighted the importance of the combined administration of both protein vaccines, ensuring optimal vaccine coverage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biology in Drug Design and Precision Therapy, 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 8172 KB  
Article
Anti-Inflammatory and Synaptic Protective Effects of TNF-α Inactivation in the MDX Mouse Model
by Anna Oller Bonani, Valquíria Matheus, Ana Laura Midori Rossi Tomiyama and Alexandre Leite Rodrigues de Oliveira
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(3), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48030270 - 3 Mar 2026
Viewed by 617
Abstract
Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe neuromuscular disorder caused by the absence of functional dystrophin, leading to progressive muscle degeneration, inflammation, and alterations in the central nervous system. The sustained inflammatory response in DMD increases glial activation and the release of [...] Read more.
Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe neuromuscular disorder caused by the absence of functional dystrophin, leading to progressive muscle degeneration, inflammation, and alterations in the central nervous system. The sustained inflammatory response in DMD increases glial activation and the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which contributes to muscle fiber damage. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of Etanercept, a TNF-α receptor-blocking therapeutic, on the spinal cord of MDX mice, a widely used model of DMD. Methods: Adult male MDX and control C57BL/10 mice received vehicle or Etanercept (3, 6, or 12 mg/Kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)) every 72 h for two weeks, along with daily gait assessment. At the end of treatment, flow cytometry and immunolabeling analyses were performed in the lumbar spinal cord. Results: Etanercept at 12 mg/Kg reduced astrogliosis and microglial activation; restored synaptic markers, including synaptophysin, glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD-65), and vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT-1); and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines. The treatment reduced GFAP+/TNF-α+ astrocytes and significantly downregulated Th1 lymphocyte polarization in treated MDX mice. These cellular effects were accompanied by improvements in locomotor function. Conclusions: Together, our findings indicate that TNF-α blockade by Etanercept exerts neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory actions in the spinal cord of dystrophic mice, providing new insights into the impact of TNF-α signaling on neuroinflammatory processes in DMD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biology in Drug Design and Precision Therapy, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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23 pages, 777 KB  
Review
Molecular Genetics of Bartter Syndrome: Bridging Genotype–Phenotype Correlations and Precision Therapeutics
by Lina Zhu, Yang Li and Yiyao Bao
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(4), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48040422 - 19 Apr 2026
Viewed by 132
Abstract
Bartter syndrome (BS) represents a group of rare, autosomal recessive renal tubular disorders characterized by hypokalemic hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis, secondary hyperaldosteronism, and normal to low blood pressure. The underlying pathophysiology is primarily driven by defects in critical ion transport proteins or channels localized [...] Read more.
Bartter syndrome (BS) represents a group of rare, autosomal recessive renal tubular disorders characterized by hypokalemic hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis, secondary hyperaldosteronism, and normal to low blood pressure. The underlying pathophysiology is primarily driven by defects in critical ion transport proteins or channels localized within the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, leading to impaired salt reabsorption. Recent advances in molecular genetics have refined the classification of Bartter syndrome. Current evidence supports SLC12A1, KCNJ1, CLCNKB, BSND, and MAGED2 as the core disease genes within the contemporary BS spectrum, with MAGED2 causing a distinct X-linked transient antenatal form. In contrast, gain-of-function CASR variants, historically labeled “type V Bartter syndrome”, are now more appropriately described as CaSR-associated Bartter-like phenotypes within the broader spectrum of disorders of calcium homeostasis. Despite significant progress, two primary research limitations remain. First, fully elucidating genotype–phenotype correlations and overcoming diagnostic complexities continues to be highly challenging due to substantial phenotypic overlap and genetic heterogeneity. Compounding these diagnostic hurdles is the equally critical challenge of understanding mutation-driven pathogenic mechanisms to develop viable clinical interventions. This review systematically summarizes the current molecular genetic landscape of BS to address these gaps. We highlight the relationships between specific genetic variants and clinical manifestations, delve into molecular pathophysiology including protein misfolding and trafficking defects, and explore emerging therapeutic approaches such as molecular chaperones. By integrating genetic and clinical data, this work aims to provide a comprehensive framework to facilitate precise diagnosis and individualized treatment strategies, ultimately advancing precision medicine in the management of Bartter syndrome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biology in Drug Design and Precision Therapy, 2nd Edition)
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