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Obesity: From Cellular Mechanism to Potential Molecular Therapies

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 February 2026 | Viewed by 1542

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain
Interests: obesity; cellular mechanism

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Obesity has become a global health challenge with profound metabolic, cardiovascular, and endocrine implications. The underlying molecular mechanisms of obesity are complex and involve genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors that regulate key pathways, including those related to adipocyte differentiation, lipid metabolism, insulin signaling, and inflammatory responses. This Special Issue aims to delve into the cellular and molecular basis of obesity, emphasizing the role of specific genes, proteins, and metabolic pathways in the development and progression of this condition. We invite research that explores novel molecular biomarkers, signaling pathways, and cellular interactions that contribute to obesity, as well as innovative therapeutic strategies targeting these molecular mechanisms. Studies investigating the impact of obesity on other comorbidities, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, are also welcome. Additionally, we encourage submissions on emerging approaches for molecular interventions, including gene editing, small molecules, and biologics, aimed at reversing or preventing obesity-related dysfunction. We hope to provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular underpinnings of obesity and offer new perspectives for therapeutic interventions in this ever-evolving field.

We warmly invite original research and review articles that contribute to advancing molecular insights into obesity and its potential therapies.

Dr. Veronica Jimenez
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • metabolic pathways
  • gene expression
  • epigenetics
  • obesity-related comorbidities
  • molecular biomarkers
  • adipogenesis
  • therapeutic interventions
  • small molecules
  • gene therapy/gene editing
  • obesity and cancer

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

25 pages, 2484 KB  
Review
Obesity and Depression: A Pathophysiotoxic Relationship
by Francisco A. Monsalve, Barbra Fernández-Tapia, Oscar C. Arriagada, Daniel R. González and Fernando Delgado-López
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11590; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311590 - 29 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1333
Abstract
Obesity and depression are two of the most prevalent diseases with increasing trends worldwide; it has been some time since the first epidemiological associations were first described. Currently, there is abundant evidence showing the physiology and the molecular aspects that intersect the biology [...] Read more.
Obesity and depression are two of the most prevalent diseases with increasing trends worldwide; it has been some time since the first epidemiological associations were first described. Currently, there is abundant evidence showing the physiology and the molecular aspects that intersect the biology of both ailments. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the epidemiology and shared pathophysiology of obesity and major depressive disorder, emphasizing convergent inflammatory, neuroendocrine, metabolic, genetic, and gut–brain mechanisms. We aggregate evidence for a bidirectional relationship mediated by: (1) chronic low-grade inflammation (elevated CRP, IL-6, TNF-α; microglial activation); (2) HPA axis dysregulation (hyper/corticosteronemia, impaired feedback, altered CRH/ACTH signaling); (3) metabolic and neurotrophic signaling deficits (insulin and leptin resistance, dysregulated adipokines such as leptin/adiponectin, impaired BDNF and synaptic plasticity); (4) lipid-derived neurotoxicity and mitochondrial stress (saturated fatty acids, ceramides, oxidative stress); and (5) gut–brain axis perturbations (microbiota dysbiosis, increased intestinal permeability, LPS-driven endotoxemia, altered short-chain fatty acids and tryptophan–kynurenine metabolism). We highlight how these convergent pathways promote neuroinflammation and mood dysregulation in individuals with obesity and summarize clinical consequences for screening, integrated management, and targeted interventions that modulate immune, neuroendocrine, metabolic, and microbial processes. Finally, we outline priorities for identifying shared biomarkers and advancing personalized strategies via multi-omics and systems medicine to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obesity: From Cellular Mechanism to Potential Molecular Therapies)
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