Peptides and Peptidomimetics for Targeting Protein-Protein Interactions
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 1516
Special Issue Editors
Interests: medicinal chemistry; drug discovery; green chemistry; multitarget-directed ligands; chirality; neurodegenerative diseases; cancer
Interests: medicinal chemistry and drug design; synthesis of bioactive compounds; antimicrobial resistance; development of novel antibacterial and antiparasitic agents; spectroscopy; computer-aided structure–activity relationship studies; anticancer agents
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are crucial for many biological processes, both under physiological and pathological conditions. It is estimated that the human interactome consists of up to 650,000 PPIs, most of which represent a potential therapeutic target for a wide range of diseases. However, this tremendous potential is still largely unexplored, due to the significant challenges in designing and producing therapeutic agents that are able to target PPIs. Specifically, small molecules are hardly suitable for targeting large and flat surfaces such as those involved in PPIs, whereas antibodies are usually more difficult to prepare, more expensive, and less bioavailable. Due to this scenario, peptides and peptidomimetics have emerged as viable alternatives that can preserve the advantages of both approaches while limiting their drawbacks. Notably, approximately 15-40% of all PPIs are thought to be mediated by short linear peptides, which could therefore serve as templates for the development of novel drug candidates. Continuous efforts in this field are currently contributing to the consolidation of a cutting-edge approach in medicinal chemistry that holds great promise for “drugging the undruggable”. This innovative mechanism of action could enhance the efficacy of currently available therapies or pave the way for the treatment of orphan diseases.
The present Special Issue aims to provide an overview of the current research on peptides and peptidomimetics for targeting PPIs. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Identification of natural peptides that mediate PPIs under physio-pathological conditions as a way to connect structural biology with drug discovery;
- Rational design of peptides and peptidomimetics able to stabilise PPIs (e.g., molecular glues) or inhibit the formation thereof;
- Computational approaches to design or identify such compounds by virtual screening, with a particular focus on drug discovery approaches “beyond the rule of 5”;
- Novel approaches in the synthesis, purification, and characterisation of such compounds, with particular attention toward green chemistry and sustainability;
- Screening modalities and validation of the mechanism of action.
Dr. Giacomo Rossino
Dr. Pasquale Linciano
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
- protein–protein interactions
- peptide–protein interactions
- interactome
- proteomics
- peptides
- modified peptides
- peptidomimetics
- molecular glues
- drug discovery
- medicinal chemistry
- rule of five
- biophysical assays
- molecular modelling
- cancer
- neurodegenerative diseases
- orphan diseases
- antimicrobial resistance
- PROTAC
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
