Metalloproteins in Biomedicine: From Molecular Mechanisms and Biomarkers to Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Nanotechnology
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2027 | Viewed by 78
Editors
Interests: iron oxide nanoparticles; magnetism; theranostics; biogenic nanoparticles; biomimetic nanomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: biomarkers; bio-sensors; immuno-therapy; monoclo-nal antibodies; theranostics; iron oxide nano-particles; heat-shock proteins
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Metalloproteins constitute one of the largest and most functionally diverse classes of biomolecules in living organisms. By coordinating biologically essential metal ions (including iron, copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, cobalt, molybdenum and others), these proteins regulate a wide range of physiological processes, including oxygen transport, electron transfer, enzymatic catalysis, immune responses, oxidative stress, metabolism, biomineralization and cellular signaling. The dysregulation of metalloprotein homeostasis contributes to numerous infectious, inflammatory, metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and malignant diseases, making metalloproteins valuable biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets.
Beyond their physiological roles, endogenous and engineered metalloproteins have emerged as versatile platforms for biomedical applications. Their intrinsic biocompatibility, structural diversity and unique physicochemical properties have stimulated extensive research into their use as diagnostic biomarkers, therapeutic agents, drug delivery systems, molecular imaging probes, biosensors, vaccines, biomaterials and nanocarriers. Iron-binding proteins such as ferritin, transferrin and lactoferrin, as well as copper-, zinc-, calcium- and other metal-binding proteins, are increasingly employed in nanomedicine, precision medicine and advanced biomedical technologies.
Recent advances in protein engineering, recombinant production, synthetic biology, computational modeling, artificial intelligence, microfluidics, structural biology and nanotechnology have further expanded the possibilities for designing multifunctional metalloprotein-based platforms, with applications ranging from targeted drug delivery and regenerative medicine to molecular imaging and personalized therapeutics.
This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the biology, chemistry, engineering and biomedical applications of metalloproteins. We welcome original research articles, reviews, communications and perspectives covering, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Structure, function, biochemistry and molecular mechanisms of metalloproteins.
- Metal homeostasis and metalloprotein biology in health, aging and disease.
- Metalloproteins as biomarkers for infectious, inflammatory, neurodegenerative, metabolic, cardiovascular, autoimmune and oncological diseases.
- Therapeutic applications of endogenous, recombinant, engineered and synthetic metalloproteins.
- Metalloprotein-based nanomedicine, drug delivery systems, biomaterials and theranostic platforms.
- Protein engineering, recombinant production, synthetic biology and biomanufacturing of metalloproteins.
- Microfluidics, bioprocess engineering and high-throughput technologies for metalloprotein production and characterization.
- Artificial intelligence, machine learning, molecular modeling and computational approaches for metalloprotein discovery and design.
- Metalloproteins in molecular imaging, biosensing, MRI, nuclear medicine and other diagnostic technologies.
- Metal-binding proteins in immunology, host–pathogen interactions, antimicrobial resistance and immune regulation.
- Translational research and clinical applications of metalloproteins in precision and personalized medicine.
- Emerging technologies and interdisciplinary approaches involving metalloproteins in biotechnology, bioengineering and regenerative medicine.
Dr. Kamil Gareev
Dr. Maxim Shevtsov
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- metalloproteins
- biomarkers
- nanomedicine
- immunology
- molecular mechanisms
- nanotechnology
- biosensing
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