Nutrition in Health and Diseases: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms

Dear Colleagues, 

It is well-established that nutrients are important regulators of human health and longevity. Adequate nutrition is essential for a healthy immune system against infectious diseases, while a wide variety of nutrients or bioactive food components have been shown to alleviate inflammatory responses and prevent or delay the onset of many chronic conditions, such as obesity, atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes mellitus, and neurodegeneration. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of nutrients/bioactive compounds are still elusive. Growing evidence suggests that nutrients or bioactive compounds can affect cell function and gene expression via transcriptional/post-transcriptional regulation, direct interaction with signal molecules, posttranslational modification, and alteration of the epigenetic profile of the cells. A better understanding of gene–nutrient interactions and molecular functions of bioactive food components will allow more effective diet recommendations for promoting optimal health, reducing disease risk, and decelerating disease progression.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide new insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which nutrients/bioactive compounds modulate biological processes and disease development. Both original research and review articles are welcome. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following: regulation of gene expression by nutrients or bioactive compounds, effects of nutrients or bioactive compounds on human disease conditions and the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms, and the effects of genetic mutation or polymorphism on nutrient metabolism and its consequence for health and diseases.

Prof. Dr. Yan Zhao
Prof. Dr. Nobuyuki Takahashi
Guest Editors

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