Rare diseases are genetic disorders that affect a small proportion of the population. Despite their rarity, they can be a significant burden for affected individuals and their families. The pathophysiology of these diseases is complex and poorly understood, and effective treatments are often lacking. However, recent advances in cellular and biochemical research have provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying rare diseases, creating opportunities for precision medicine. The current state of knowledge in this field is rapidly evolving, with significant studies highlighting the potential of cellular models, omics approaches, and personalized medicine to transform the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases. Despite these advancements, there remain substantial gaps in our understanding of the biochemical pathways involved and the translation of these findings into clinical practice. Ongoing debates focus on the best methodologies for studying these diseases and the ethical considerations of emerging technologies. There is a pressing need for more comprehensive investigations to bridge these gaps and translate laboratory findings into effective therapies.
This research topic aims to showcase the latest research in cellular and biochemical applications and advances in rare diseases. The main objectives are to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases, identify new therapeutic targets, and explore the potential of precision medicine in improving patient outcomes. Specific questions to be addressed include: What are the most effective cellular models for studying rare diseases? How can omics technologies be leveraged for better diagnosis? What are the key biochemical pathways involved, and how can they be targeted for treatment? How can personalized medicine approaches be optimized for rare disease patients?
To gather further insights into the cellular and biochemical applications and advances in rare diseases, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Cellular models of rare diseases: Advances in stem cell technology and genome editing.
- Omics approaches for rare disease diagnosis: Developments in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.
- Biochemical pathways in rare diseases: Understanding and targeting biochemical pathways for treatment.
- Personalized medicine for rare diseases: Precision medicine approaches, such as pharmacogenomics and targeted therapies, tailored to individual genetic and molecular profiles.
Keywords: rare diseases, biochemistry, cellular models, diagnosis, therapeutic targets, omics, biochemical pathway, personalized medicine
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.
