About this Research Topic
Recent studies have shown that the antimicrobial mechanisms of certain drugs, for instance amphotericin B, involve oxidative stress response in pathogens, hence those drugs are defined as oxidative stress drugs. Redox-active natural compounds or their structural derivatives can also be potent redox-cyclers in microorganisms, which contributes to the inhibition of pathogen growth by disrupting cellular redox homeostasis or the function of redox-sensitive cellular components; the manner of the disruptions occur in the pathogens varies depending upon the types of redox molecules applied. Recent advancement of the research in this area helps uncover the role of various redox compounds from natural sources, such as sulfur-containing plant defense molecules synthesized as secondary metabolites in plants.
Current antimicrobial drugs have limited efficacy in treating microbial infections, particularly those caused by drug resistant pathogens. Immuno-compromised groups of patients are especially at risk of developing infectious diseases. While high-throughput screenings have been investigated for identifying novel antimicrobial drugs, a stagnation in development of new, safe and effective agents is a persistent public health concern.
This Research Topic focuses on studies (including e.g. Original Research, Perspectives, Minireviews, and Opinion papers) that investigate and discuss:
1) The isolation or synthesis of redox molecules for antimicrobial treatments.
2) The role of redox-active natural products, such as sulfur-containing compounds, as defense molecules against a wide range of microbial pathogens. In experimental work submissions, please ensure that when testing with extracts from biological samples, the efficacy of the pure substance(s) to which the biological efficacy is attributed is also shown.
3) The mechanisms of antimicrobial action of redox molecules identified, including that for overcoming drug resistance.
4) Experimental systems and approaches in antimicrobial research using redox molecules.
5) The potential for negative side-effects associated with the application of redox molecules to the environment or the patient.
Photo courtesy of USDA ARS
Current antimicrobial drugs have limited efficacy in treating microbial infections, particularly those caused by drug resistant pathogens. Immuno-compromised groups of patients are especially at risk of developing infectious diseases. While high-throughput screenings have been investigated for identifying novel antimicrobial drugs, a stagnation in development of new, safe and effective agents is a persistent public health concern.
This Research Topic focuses on studies (including e.g. Original Research, Perspectives, Minireviews, and Opinion papers) that investigate and discuss:
1) The isolation or synthesis of redox molecules for antimicrobial treatments.
2) The role of redox-active natural products, such as sulfur-containing compounds, as defense molecules against a wide range of microbial pathogens. In experimental work submissions, please ensure that when testing with extracts from biological samples, the efficacy of the pure substance(s) to which the biological efficacy is attributed is also shown.
3) The mechanisms of antimicrobial action of redox molecules identified, including that for overcoming drug resistance.
4) Experimental systems and approaches in antimicrobial research using redox molecules.
5) The potential for negative side-effects associated with the application of redox molecules to the environment or the patient.
Photo courtesy of USDA ARS
Keywords: Antimicrobials, drug resistance, mode of action, redox molecules, sulfur compounds
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