About this Research Topic
Metal ions interact with macromolecule molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, within each living cell. For instance, they might activate or inhibit the catalytic activity of a variety of enzymes, as well as ribozymes. Also, non-catalytic proteins might require metal ions, as observed in numerous gas-transport metalloproteins. Metal ions also interact with negatively charged DNA and RNA molecules within a cell. It ensures a proper structure and dynamics of nucleic acids and enables their interactions with other molecules, including proteins and small-molecule ligands. Not surprisingly, metal cations are a critical element of cell metabolisms and are involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes.
The importance of metal cations for living cells requires strict control of their concentrations. Any disturbances, including the emergence of toxic heavy metal ions from the environment, may lead to numerous diseases. On the other hand, using compounds that target metal-dependent macromolecules is an excellent possibility for a drug intervention at the molecular level of cell metabolism. Therefore, the role and the nature of interactions between metal ions (or their complexes) with biological macromolecules, especially in physiological and pathological processes, is of key priority for the current bioinorganic chemistry research. This Research Topic aims to cover the biological, chemical, structural and pharmacological aspects of interactions between a metal ion (or its complexes) with a macromolecule (protein or nucleic acid).
We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:
• Role of metal ions in enzyme systems (activation or inhibition of enzyme activity through the ions).
• Metal-nucleic acid interactions.
• Metal complexes that target proteins or nucleic acids as potential therapeutics.
• Synthesis and evaluation of the biological activity of metal complexes.
Topic Editor Boguslaw Nocek is employed by Eli Lilly. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject.
The importance of metal cations for living cells requires strict control of their concentrations. Any disturbances, including the emergence of toxic heavy metal ions from the environment, may lead to numerous diseases. On the other hand, using compounds that target metal-dependent macromolecules is an excellent possibility for a drug intervention at the molecular level of cell metabolism. Therefore, the role and the nature of interactions between metal ions (or their complexes) with biological macromolecules, especially in physiological and pathological processes, is of key priority for the current bioinorganic chemistry research. This Research Topic aims to cover the biological, chemical, structural and pharmacological aspects of interactions between a metal ion (or its complexes) with a macromolecule (protein or nucleic acid).
We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:
• Role of metal ions in enzyme systems (activation or inhibition of enzyme activity through the ions).
• Metal-nucleic acid interactions.
• Metal complexes that target proteins or nucleic acids as potential therapeutics.
• Synthesis and evaluation of the biological activity of metal complexes.
Topic Editor Boguslaw Nocek is employed by Eli Lilly. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject.
Keywords: Enzyme activity, Metal-based drugs, Heavy-metal ions, Inhibitors, Intermolecular interactions
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
