Cancer research continues to be at the forefront of scientific inquiry due to its status as one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. A pivotal area of exploration within this domain is the potential of natural substances to offer new therapeutic strategies. Recent years have seen a surge in research focusing on compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids derived from natural sources. These bioactives have demonstrated cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, and anti-proliferative effects across various in vitro tumor models. Their mechanisms often involve regulation of signaling pathways that control cellular processes like oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell cycle regulation. However, despite promising in vitro results, expanded research into the molecular mechanisms by which these compounds exert their effects is imperative for honing their therapeutic applicability.
This Research Topic aims to explore the biological activity of natural bioactive compounds in tumor cell lines, with a particular focus on their capacity to influence pivotal cellular processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and oxidative stress. By highlighting how these natural molecules alter tumor cell viability and sensitivity to established therapies, this research aims to furnish novel insights into their potential for enhancing cancer treatment. Advances in molecular biology, including transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolic profiling, provide a scaffold for a deeper exploration of these metabolic pathways. Furthermore, studies that employ functional assays, morphological analyses, and pathway-specific markers are encouraged to enhance understanding. Ultimately, the goal is to pinpoint promising candidate compounds capable of serving as prototypes for innovative anticancer strategies, notably in contexts marked by drug resistance and tumor heterogeneity.
To gather further insights into the antitumor potential of natural bioactives using cellular in vitro or in vivo models, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Molecular mechanisms underlying cytotoxicity and oxidative stress.
- Exploration of programmed cell death, including apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and pyroptosis.
- Investigations into metabolic reprogramming influenced by natural compounds.
- Studies on synergistic effects of natural compounds with traditional chemotherapeutics.
- Application of advanced imaging and omics technologies.
- Specific focus on classes of natural compounds (e.g., flavonoids, alkaloids, essential oils) or sources (e.g., medicinal plants, marine organisms).
We welcome original papers, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives to enrich the understanding within this field.
Keywords: Natural compounds, Cancer, Apoptosis, Oxidative stress, In vitro/in vivo models
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.
