Protein-Targeted Therapeutics: Functional Modulation in Disease Pathways
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 December 2025 | Viewed by 22
Special Issue Editor
Interests: biochemistry; enzymology; drug discovery; SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment); in vitro selection technique
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Proteins serve as fundamental keystones in the architecture of drug discovery and their roles are deeply woven into the pharmaceutical fabric. Deciphering the complex reactivity of protein systems is essential for unlocking their therapeutic potential. This endeavor necessitates the integration of diverse analytical platforms—ranging from advanced purification protocols and kinetic profiling to protein stabilization strategies and the fine-tuning of key variables such as pH, temperature, and ionic strength.
The exploration further encompasses detailed studies of substrate–product interactions, the intricate choreography of ligand/inhibitor/protein interplay, and the mapping of three-dimensional conformational landscapes. These insights illuminate the structural plasticity and mechanistic versatility that define protein function.
A paradigm shift has emerged with the ascendance of in silico methodologies, marking a transformative era in protein characterization. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations now orchestrate a powerful synergy, accelerating discovery and deepening our mechanistic understanding. This Special Issue seeks to serve as a scholarly crucible—merging experimental rigor with computational elegance, and offering a platform for innovative ideas and transformative insights. It invites contributions that illuminate the vital role of proteins as central targets in therapeutic development.
The thematic arc of this Special Issue spans four interlinked domains:
- Exploring New Ways to Block Proteins: Creating New Inhibitors to Control Protein Activity;
- Understanding How Proteins Work: Studying the Basic Functions and Processes of Proteins;
- Tracking Protein Shape Changes: Exploring How Proteins Change Shape During Reactions;
- Improving Ligand Targeting with Multiple Methods: Lab Experiments and/or Computer Simulations to Study Ligand Binding.
Prof. Dr. Sung-Kun (Sean) Kim
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- protein-targeted therapeutics
- proteins inhibitors
- ligand binding
- conformational changes
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