Special issue: redox active natural products and their interaction with cellular signalling pathways

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Pharmacology
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Natural product research is experiencing a resurgence due to needs in medicine, agriculture, cosmetics, and nutrition.
• Redox-active secondary metabolites from various organisms are key players, offering protective and therapeutic potential.
• Recent advancements enable detailed investigation of natural product interactions within living cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the growing importance of natural products, especially redox-active compounds.
• To explore the application of advanced cell-based bioanalytical techniques in natural product research.
• To understand the precise mechanisms of action of natural products, particularly Reactive Sulfur Species (RSS).

Main Methods:

• Utilizing fluorescent staining and labeling for intracellular visualization.
• Employing microscopy, flow cytometry, and plate readers for qualitative and quantitative detection.
• Integrating traditional assays (activity assays, Western Blots) with modern techniques (proteomics, chemogenetic screening, mRNA profiling).

Main Results:

• Advanced techniques provide a powerful platform for "intracellular diagnostics" of natural products.
• These methods have begun to unravel complex concepts like the "cellular thiolstat" for redox-active compounds.
• Recent studies have shed light on the selective action of natural products in different organisms.

Conclusions:

• Cell-based bioanalytical techniques are revolutionizing natural product research.
• Further investigation is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and selective actions of redox-active compounds.
• Natural products hold significant promise for diverse applications, driven by a deeper understanding of their cellular effects.