Guest Editors
Dr. Mateusz Kciuk
Email: mateusz.kciuk@biol.uni.lodz.pl
Affiliation: Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
Homepage:
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8616-3825
Research Interests: molecular oncology, anticancer drug discovery, DNA damage response (DDR), cell cycle regulation, regulated cell death, cancer immunotherapy mechanisms, drug–DNA interactions
Dr. Beata Marciniak
Email: beata.marciniak@biol.uni.lodz.pl
Affiliation: Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
Homepage:
Research Interests: anticancer drug discovery, cancer molecular mechanisms, DNA damage and repair, chromatin dynamics, the molecular determinants of chemotherapy response and resistance, gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers
Summary
The rapid evolution of chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and molecular pharmacology continues to drive the discovery of innovative anticancer compounds with improved specificity, efficacy, and safety profiles. Despite substantial progress in oncology, cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for next-generation therapeutics targeting resistant and aggressive malignancies.
This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advances in the design, synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of novel anticancer agents. Contributions focusing on small molecules, targeted therapies, and bioactive natural products are particularly encouraged. Emphasis will be placed on structure-based drug design, computational modeling, high-throughput screening, and integrated experimental approaches that accelerate lead identification and optimization. Studies elucidating molecular mechanisms of action, target validation strategies, and innovative chemical biology tools for cancer research are also welcome.
In addition, this Issue seeks research exploring translational and preclinical evaluation of promising compounds, including kinase inhibitors, epigenetic modulators, protein–protein interaction disruptors, and natural product-derived agents. By bringing together interdisciplinary efforts spanning chemistry, biology, and pharmacology, this Special Issue aims to showcase cutting-edge discoveries that contribute to the development of safer, more effective cancer therapeutics.
Keywords
anticancer drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, targeted cancer therapy, natural products, structure-based drug design
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