Over the last few years, a number of studies have brought forward new and exciting discoveries in biomolecule research and have changed the old paradigm "one molecule, one function, one trait". Today, we know that one biomolecule may operate in different locations, utilize different substrates and interactions thus performing multiple, also unrelated functions. Interestingly, these properties are not only reserved for proteins, also DNA and RNA molecules as well as diverse classes of metabolites possess the ability to multitask. The discovery of multifunctionality of biomolecules as well as their “moonlighting business” led to the identification of new interaction networks and provided novel insights into the pathogenesis of many disorders. In addition, it opened new horizons for the diagnosis and treatment of several diseases and for drug repurposing and development. In this Research Topic, we would like to present new faces of "old" molecules and discuss their significance for biomedical research.
Over the last few years, a number of studies have brought forward new and exciting discoveries in biomolecule research and have changed the old paradigm "one molecule, one function, one trait". Today, we know that one biomolecule may operate in different locations, utilize different substrates and interactions thus performing multiple, also unrelated functions. Interestingly, these properties are not only reserved for proteins, also DNA and RNA molecules as well as diverse classes of metabolites possess the ability to multitask. The discovery of multifunctionality of biomolecules as well as their “moonlighting business” led to the identification of new interaction networks and provided novel insights into the pathogenesis of many disorders. In addition, it opened new horizons for the diagnosis and treatment of several diseases and for drug repurposing and development. In this Research Topic, we would like to present new faces of "old" molecules and discuss their significance for biomedical research.