Protein Kinases in Metabolic Health and Disease

Protein kinases are key regulators of metabolic processes, orchestrating cellular responses to nutrients, hormones, and environmental cues. These enzymes play crucial roles in glucose and energy metabolism, insulin signaling, and mitochondrial function, making them essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Dysregulation of protein kinase activity has been implicated in metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular complications. Although significant strides have been made in kinase research related to cancer and immunology, their pivotal roles in metabolic health are continually emerging, underscoring their potential as targets for therapeutic interventions.

This collection aims to delve deeper into how protein kinases influence metabolic stability and the progression of metabolic diseases. Our focus is on unraveling the specific roles of kinase signaling pathways in energy balance, glucose management, islet function, and lipid equilibrium. We are also interested in elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which kinase malfunctions contribute to metabolic illnesses and assessing the feasibility of modulating protein kinases for therapeutic benefits in these conditions. With a blend of novel research and reviews, this collection aims to merge basic biological insights with potential clinical applications to enhance the understanding and development of kinase-targeted therapies for metabolic disorders.

To ensure a comprehensive exploration of this area, we welcome submissions covering, but not limited to the following themes:

• Kinase-mediated regulation of glucose, lipid and energy metabolism

• Regulation of islet biology and nutrient/hormone signaling through kinases

• The role of protein kinase signaling in obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic disorders

• Development of kinase-targeted therapies for managing metabolic diseases

• Interactions between kinases and metabolic inflammation

• Emerging kinase targets and drug discovery efforts in metabolic health

These topics will contribute significantly to advancing our understanding of the metabolic roles of protein kinases and their potential in therapeutic settings.