Microproteins: From Identification to the Discovery of Their Functions
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2024) | Viewed by 384
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Over the past few years, the landscape of the proteome (ensemble of proteins) has undergone a transformative shift with the revelation of the pervasive expression of microproteins in many species. These small proteins appear to be important players in key cellular processes. Hidden for a long time due to technological limitations, these small yet potent entities have emerged as pivotal regulators, captivating the scientific community's interest and inspiring a new wave of research.
Microproteins (also known as alternative proteins or short open reading frame-encoded peptides (SEPs)), typically defined as yet non-annotated proteins with fewer than 100 amino acids, have challenged traditional views on protein expression and the functional significance of small peptides. Technological advancements in ribosome profiling, mass spectrometry, transcriptomics, and functional genomics have redefined our ability to identify and characterize microproteins. This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest breakthroughs in the field, providing a platform for researchers to share insights into the identification, characterization, and functional elucidation of microproteins.
The scope of this Special Issue encompasses a diverse array of topics within the realm of microproteins, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Identification techniques: Cutting-edge methodologies for the accurate identification and quantification of microproteins;
- Functional characterization: Investigations into the diverse roles and molecular mechanisms through which microproteins exert their influence on cellular processes;
- Evolutionary conservation: Explorations of the evolutionary conservation and divergence of microproteins across species;
- Technological innovations: Discussions of novel technologies and tools driving advancements in microprotein research;
- Emerging trends: Highlighting emerging trends and future directions in the study of microproteins.
We invite researchers, academicians, and practitioners to contribute original research articles, reviews, and communications that advance our understanding of microproteins and their roles in cellular function.
Dr. Bertrand Fabre
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- microproteins
- short open reading frame-encoded peptides (SEPs)
- alternative proteins
- functional characterization
- mass spectrometry
- transcriptomics
- ribosome profiling
- functional genomics
- molecular mechanisms
- cellular processes
- signaling pathways
- cellular homeostasis
- protein–protein interactions
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