Genes Involved in the Metabolism of Nutrients and Drugs, and Their Roles in Cancer, Immune Disorder and Aging

Dietary nutrient intake is an essential factor for health, and nutrient metabolism requires a functional network of numerous proteins, such as sensors, transport proteins and enzymes. Genetic polymorphisms and altered regulatory pathways of metabolism-associated genes lead to differed metabolic patterns among individuals, and have substantial influences on their susceptibility to diseases, as well as responses to treatments. Cancer, immune disorders and aging are closely associated with an imbalance of metabolome, and an emerging number of researches have demonstrated the importance of metabolism-associated genes in the prevention and management of these diseases via genomic research on clinical specimens, biological research on disease models, and epidemiologic research on populations.Previous studies have shown that many metabolites not only provide basic elements for the homeostasis of material and energy, but also function as signal molecules in cell signalling transduction networks, and alterations in metabolism-associated genes would modulate cell behaviors, such as proliferation, migration, differentiation and cell death. Recently, there are exiting new discoveries regarding metabolites’ regulatory roles in the epigenetic modifications of proteins and nucleic acids, indicating that temporary metabolic disorder might exert long-term effects on health. Other than nutrient metabolism, patients’ responses to therapeutic compounds are also substantially affected by the status of metabolism-associated genes, which are potentially associated with primary and acquired drug resistance commonly observed during the treatment of cancer.Therefore, more work is still needed to comprehensively elucidate the specific biological mechanisms by which metabolism-associated genes are involved in cancer, immune disorders and aging, thus inspiring the development of early-screening programs and personalized medicine and dietary strategies according to individuals’ pattern of metabolome.This special section is dedicated to publishing research focused on understanding the genetic and molecular aspects of metabolism-associated genes and their implications on health and diseases. In particular, this section welcomes submissions which elucidate the genetic and molecular mechanisms how metabolism-associated genes contribute to cancer, immune disorders and aging via modulating the metabolization of nutrients and drugs, and fostering innovations in pharmacological and dietary strategies according to genetic signature of metabolism-associated genes.This section explores the full spectrum of genetic and genomic research, encompassing fundamental studies and their clinical applications, while also embracing methodological advancements and exploring their applications and implications. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:• How genes relate to metabolism of nutrients or drugs• How metabolism-associated genes contribute to cancer, immune disorders and aging• The interactions between metabolism-associated genes and microbiome• How to apply our knowledge about metabolism-associated genes in early diagnosis, treatment and health management during the combat against cancer, immune disorders and aging• Welcome submission of the following article types: Original Research, Mini Review, Review, Systematic Review.Submissions should provide detailed, in-depth knowledge about the genetic and molecular aspects of metabolism-associated genes and their implications on health and diseases. Topic editors: Yiting Qiao, Guo Chen, Pan Li, Zhongqiu Xie, Juan Bautista De Sanctis, Ornella Cominetti, Ahmed Mostafa Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/70153/genes-involved-in-the-metabolism-of-nutrients-and-drugs-and-their-roles-in-cancer-immune-disorder-and-aging