Abstract:
Multi-omics approaches, single-cell proteomics, and the roles of epigenetics and non-coding RNAs in disease. CRISPR-Cas technologies are advancing beyond gene editing into gene regulation and diagnostics, while research into protein misfolding is uncovering new insights into neurodegenerative diseases. AI, particularly in protein structure prediction, is transforming drug discovery, and post-translational modifications (PTMs) are gaining attention for their roles in disease progression. Liquid biopsies for protein-based diagnostics are becoming key in non-invasive disease monitoring. Immuno-oncology, with a focus on the tumor microenvironment, is enhancing our understanding of immune responses in cancer. Finally, gene-protein interaction networks are crucial for revealing mechanisms in rare diseases, offering potential new therapeutic targets.
Rationale:
The rapid advancement of multi-omics technologies, coupled with the growing understanding of the intricate interplay between genes, proteins, and their regulatory elements, is revolutionizing the field of biomedical research. This special issue aims to highlight the latest breakthroughs in multi-omics approaches, single-cell proteomics, epigenetics, non-coding RNAs, and protein misfolding, as they relate to disease pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. By delving into these areas, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and identify novel therapeutic targets.
Key Themes:
- Multi-Omics Integration:
o Integrating genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data to elucidate complex disease phenotypes
o Leveraging bioinformatics tools and machine learning techniques to analyze large-scale multi-omics datasets
- Single-Cell Proteomics:
o Profiling protein expression at single-cell resolution to uncover cellular heterogeneity and identify rare cell populations
o Developing advanced mass spectrometry-based techniques for sensitive and high-throughput single-cell proteomics
- Epigenetics and Non-Coding RNAs:
o Investigating the role of epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling) in disease initiation and progression
o Exploring the functions of long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs in regulating gene expression and cellular processes
- Protein Misfolding and Neurodegenerative Diseases:
o Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying protein misfolding and aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders
o Identifying potential therapeutic strategies to prevent or slow down disease progression
- CRISPR-Cas Technologies:
o Expanding the applications of CRISPR-Cas beyond gene editing to gene regulation and diagnostics
o Developing novel CRISPR-based tools for therapeutic interventions
- AI and Protein Structure Prediction:
o Utilizing AI-powered tools to accurately predict protein structures and their interactions with other molecules
o Accelerating drug discovery and design by leveraging computational approaches
- Post-Translational Modifications (PTMs):
o Investigating the role of PTMs in regulating protein function and cellular signaling
o Identifying PTMs as potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis
- Liquid Biopsies for Protein-Based Diagnostics:
o Developing non-invasive methods for detecting disease-specific protein biomarkers in blood and other bodily fluids
o Improving the sensitivity and specificity of protein-based liquid biopsy assays
- Immuno-Oncology and Tumor Microenvironment:
o Understanding the complex interplay between tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment
o Developing novel immunotherapies to enhance anti-tumor immune responses
- Gene-Protein Interaction Networks:
- Constructing gene-protein interaction networks to identify key regulatory nodes and pathways
- Utilizing network analysis to uncover novel therapeutic targets for rare diseases
Call for Papers:
We invite original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that address the following topics:
- Multi-omics studies in disease pathogenesis and progression
- Single-cell proteomics for understanding cellular heterogeneity
- Epigenetic mechanisms and non-coding RNA regulation in disease
- Protein misfolding and aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases
- CRISPR-Cas technologies for gene regulation and diagnostics
- AI-driven protein structure prediction and drug discovery
- Post-translational modifications and their role in disease
- Liquid biopsies for protein-based disease detection
- Immuno-oncology and tumor microenvironment
- Gene-protein interaction networks and rare diseases