Natural and Synthetic Compounds with Anti-inflammatory, Antitumor, and Neuroprotective Activity

The field of molecular biosciences is pivotal in unraveling the complex biochemical and cellular processes underlying anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and neuroprotective activities of bioactive compounds. With the persistent burden of inflammatory diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders, there is an urgent need to better understand how molecular interventions can modulate disease pathways. Recent discoveries reveal that both natural and synthetic compounds can influence a variety of molecular targets—including signaling molecules, transcription factors, and enzymes—that regulate critical pathophysiological processes. However, translating this molecular knowledge into clinically viable interventions remains challenging due to incomplete mechanistic insights, issues with compound specificity and potency, and biological barriers affecting efficacy and safety.Recent advances in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and chemical biology have facilitated the identification and profiling of bioactive compounds at an unprecedented molecular resolution. Studies have demonstrated that natural products and synthetic analogs can exert anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and neuroprotective effects by modulating gene expression, cellular signaling cascades (such as NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt pathways), epigenetic modifications, and oxidative stress responses. The integration of molecular docking, high-throughput screening, and systems biology has accelerated the discovery of compounds with optimized bioactivity profiles. Despite these promising developments, critical gaps remain in elucidating structure-activity relationships, dissecting precise mechanisms of action, and achieving target specificity with minimal off-target effects.This Research Topic aims to consolidate and advance molecular-level research into natural and synthetic compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and neuroprotective properties. The primary objectives are to unearth novel bioactive substances, elucidate their molecular mechanisms of action, enhance our understanding of their interactions with key cellular targets, and develop strategies to improve their translational potential. By encouraging mechanistic studies and molecular characterization, this Research Topic seeks to promote breakthroughs that can accelerate the discovery and application of targeted therapeutics in inflammation, cancer, and neurodegeneration.To gather further insights into the molecular basis and therapeutic promise of these compounds, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways targeted by anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and neuroprotective compounds- Structure-activity relationship studies and rational drug design- Systems biology, omics-based profiling, and computational modeling of compound activity- Identification and validation of new biomolecular targets- Molecular determinants of pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and toxicity- Epigenetic and transcriptomic effects of natural and synthetic agents- Molecular synergy and combination strategies for enhanced efficacy Topic editors: Marco Tutone, Mario Allegra, Sergio Davinelli Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77672/natural-and-synthetic-compounds-with-anti-inflammatory-antitumor-and-neuroprotective-activity