Protein-Protein and Protein-DNA Interactions in Drug Discovery

Dear Colleagues, 

In living organisms, the biological functions are not exerted by single proteins but are based on a complex network of interactions. Proteins can form transient complexes, either interacting with each other or with nucleic acids and other molecules. Protein–DNA interactions are essential for several molecular and cellular mechanisms, such as transcription and regulation of gene expression, replication, DNA modifications and repair. Protein–protein interactions play a regulatory role in most cell-signaling networks. However, the interactions occurring between molecules in healthy and diseased organisms are still poorly understood. The identification via high-throughput screening, rational design and virtual screening of small-molecules, as inhibitors of protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid interactions have become the focus of drug-discovery programs. The aim of this Special Issue is to focus on the characterization of these functional complexes and the individual protein components involved, as well as the identification and validation of therapeutic targets.

Prof. Dr. Fabio Altieri
Guest Editor

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• protein–protein interactions
• protein–DNA interactions
• macromolecula complexes
• small-molecule inhibitors
• drug discovery
• therapeutic targets
• cell signaling