About this Research Topic

Background

The field of gasotransmitter research has emerged as a dynamic and interdisciplinary domain with profound implications for our understanding of several normal functions, such as cellular signaling, as well as disease states, such as cardiovascular diseases or cancer. This understanding was accompanied by the development of innovative therapeutic strategies based on gasotransmitters, including carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and nitric oxide (NO). Thus, over recent years, these molecules have gained significant attention for their potential use against a variety of disorders, making them also particularly relevant to the study of aging-related phenomena.

Aging is a multifaceted biological process characterized by the progressive decline of cellular functions and an increased susceptibility to age-related disorders. Researchers have increasingly recognized the potential of gasotransmitters to modulate various aspects of aging, such as cellular senescence, inflammation, mitochondrial function, and cardiovascular health. The intersection of gasotransmitter biology with pharmacy, nanomedicine, and medicinal chemistry opens up exciting avenues for developing targeted interventions aimed at promoting healthy aging and extending lifespan.

This article collection in Frontiers in Aging seeks to illuminate the latest breakthroughs in this burgeoning field, offering a comprehensive exploration of gasotransmitter-mediated pathways and their potential applications in the quest for a healthier and longer life.

The problem at the heart of this research topic lies in addressing the multifaceted challenges of aging and age-related diseases. As our global population continues to age, finding effective strategies to promote healthy aging and combat age-associated conditions is of paramount importance. Gasotransmitters, such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), and nitric oxide (NO), hold tremendous promise as signaling molecules that can influence key processes involved in aging.

Recent advances in gasotransmitter research have unveiled their roles in modulating oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and inflammation, all of which are intricately linked to the aging process. However, the field is still in its infancy, and unlocking the full therapeutic potential of gasotransmitters requires a deeper understanding of their mechanisms of action and safe, targeted delivery methods. This Research Topic aims to bridge the gap between gasotransmitter biology, and their translational potential. By exploring innovative pharmacological interventions, CO-releasing molecules (CO-RMs), H 2 S-releasing molecules, and NO-based therapies, we can develop precise strategies for healthy aging and disease prevention. As recent breakthroughs continue to shed light on the nuances of gasotransmitter signaling, this collection of articles will pave the way for transformative approaches to enhance longevity and improve the quality of life for aging populations.

Authors are invited to contribute original research and review articles on gasotransmitter biology, focusing mainly on CO, also on H 2 S and NO, within the context of aging. Submissions should emphasize pharmacological interventions, safety, and translational potential, offering insights into how gasotransmitters can be harnessed for healthy aging and age-related disease management. The specific topics that are of interest include, but are not limited to:

1. Gasotransmitters as Signaling Molecules: Explore the diverse roles of endogenous gasotransmitters in cellular signaling pathways and their impact on the aging processes, including cellular senescence and inflammation.

2. Pharmacological Modulation of Gasotransmitters: Investigate the development of CO-releasing molecules (CO-RMs), nitric oxide-releasing molecules, hydrogen-sulfide-releasing molecules, and other pharmacological agents that target CO, NO or H 2 S pathways for potential applications in age-related diseases.

3. Gasotransmitters and Neurodegeneration: Examine the relationship between CO/NO/H 2 S signaling and neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on potential neuroprotective agents based on gasotransmitters.

4. Gasotransmitters and Cardiovascular Health: Discuss the roles of CO/NO/H 2 S in vascular function and their implications for cardiovascular aging, as well as therapeutic approaches that target these pathways for heart health.

5. Mitochondrial Function and Gasotransmitters: Explore the impact of CO/NO/H 2 S on mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, and their potential as targets for age-related mitochondrial dysfunction.

6. Gasotransmitters in Anti-Aging Therapies: Investigate the potential of CO/NO/H 2 S-based interventions for promoting healthy aging and extending lifespan, including the use of CO/NO/H 2 S-releasing nanoparticles.

7. Safety and Clinical Translation: Address safety considerations, toxicity profiles, and the translational potential of CO/NO/H 2 S-based therapies for aging-related conditions.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Aging, Gasotransmitters, Carbon monoxide, Nitric oxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Neurodegenerative diseases, Cardiovascular diseases

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

Frequently asked questions

• What is a Research Topic?

  Frontiers' Research Topics are collaborative hubs built around an emerging theme.Defined, managed, and led by renowned researchers, they bring communities together around a shared area of interest to stimulate collaboration and innovation.

  Unlike section journals, which serve established specialty communities, Research Topics are pioneer hubs, responding to the evolving scientific landscape and catering to new communities.

• Why does Frontiers publish Research Topics? 

  The goal of Frontiers' publishing program is to empower research communities to actively steer the course of scientific publishing. Our program was implemented as a three-part unit with fixed field journals, flexible specialty sections, and dynamically emerging Research Topics, connecting communities of different sizes and maturity.

  Research Topics originate from the scientific community. Many of our Research Topics are suggested by existing editorial board members who have identified critical challenges or areas of interest in their field.

• Why are Research Topics important for journals?

  As an editor, Research Topics will help you build your journal, as well as your community, around emerging, cutting-edge research. As research trailblazers, Research Topics attract high-quality submissions from leading experts all over the world.

  A thriving Research Topic can potentially evolve into a new specialty section if there is sustained interest and a growing community around it.

• How do we ensure the quality of articles within Research Topics?

  Each Research Topic must be approved by the specialty chief editor, and it falls under the editorial oversight of our editorial boards, supported by our in-house research integrity team. The same standards and rigorous peer review processes apply to articles published as part of a Research Topic as for any other article we publish.

  In 2023, 80% of the Research Topics we published were edited or co-edited by our editorial board members, who are already familiar with their journal's scope, ethos, and publishing model. All other topics are guest edited by leaders in their field, each vetted and formally approved by the specialty chief editor.

• What are the benefits of publishing my article in a Research Topic?

  Publishing your article within a Research Topic with other related articles increases its discoverability and visibility, which can lead to more views, downloads, and citations. Research Topics grow dynamically as more published articles are added, causing frequent revisiting, and further visibility.

  As Research Topics are multidisciplinary, they are cross-listed in several fields and section journals – increasing your reach even more and giving you the chance to expand your network and collaborate with researchers in different fields, all focusing on expanding knowledge around the same important topic.

  Our larger Research Topics are also converted into ebooks and receive social media promotion from our digital marketing team.

   
• What types of articles can be published in a Research Topic?

  Frontiers offers multiple article types, but it will depend on the field and section journals in which the Research Topic will be featured. The available article types for a Research Topic will appear in the drop-down menu during the submission process.

  Check available article types here 

• Can I suggest a new Research Topic? 

  Yes, we would love to hear your ideas for a topic. Most of our Research Topics are community-led and suggested by researchers in the field. Our in-house editorial team will contact you to talk about your idea and whether you’d like to edit the topic. If you’re an early-stage researcher, we will offer you the opportunity to coordinate your topic, with the support of a senior researcher as the topic editor. 

  Suggest your topic here 

• Who leads a Research Topic? 

  A team of guest editors (called topic editors) lead their Research Topic. This editorial team oversees the entire process, from the initial topic proposal to calls for participation, the peer review, and final publications.

  The team may also include topic coordinators, who help the topic editors send calls for participation, liaise with topic editors on abstracts, and support contributing authors. In some cases, they can also be assigned as reviewers.

• What is the role of a topic editor?

  As a topic editor (TE), you will take the lead on all editorial decisions for the Research Topic, starting with defining its scope. This allows you to curate research around a topic that interests you, bring together different perspectives from leading researchers across different fields and shape the future of your field. 

   

  You will choose your team of co-editors, curate a list of potential authors, send calls for participation and oversee the peer review process, accepting or recommending rejection for each manuscript submitted.

• What support will I receive when editing a new Research Topic? 

  As a topic editor, you're supported at every stage by our in-house team. You will be assigned a single point of contact to help you on both editorial and technical matters. Your topic is managed through our user-friendly online platform, and the peer review process is supported by our industry-first AI review assistant (AIRA).

• As a junior researcher, can I be involved in editing a Research Topic? 

  If you’re an early-stage researcher, we will offer you the opportunity to coordinate your topic, with the support of a senior researcher as the topic editor. This provides you with valuable editorial experience, improving your ability to critically evaluate research articles and enhancing your understanding of the quality standards and requirements for scientific publishing, as well as the opportunity to discover new research in your field, and expand your professional network.

• Can I get a certificate for editing a Research Topic?

  Yes, certificates can be issued on request. We are happy to provide a certificate for your contribution to editing a successful Research Topic.

• Who will I collaborate with?

  Research Topics thrive on collaboration and their multi-disciplinary approach around emerging, cutting-edge themes, attract leading researchers from all over the world.

• How long does it take to publish a Research Topic?

  As a topic editor, you can set the timeline for your Research Topic, and we will work with you at your pace. Typically, Research Topics are online and open for submissions within a few weeks and remain open for participation for 6 – 12 months. Individual articles within a Research Topic are published as soon as they are ready.

  Find out more about our Research Topics

• What fee support is available to authors publishing in a Research Topic?

  Our fee support program ensures that all articles that pass peer review, including those published in Research Topics, can benefit from open access – regardless of the author's field or funding situation.

  Authors and institutions with insufficient funding can apply for a discount on their publishing fees. A fee support application form is available on our website.

• Will there be a printed version of my Research Topic?

  In line with our mission to promote healthy lives on a healthy planet, we do not provide printed materials. All our articles and ebooks are available under a CC-BY license, so you can share and print copies.