Incretin-based peptide therapeutics, particularly those targeting GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) receptors, have emerged as pivotal players in the management of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. These peptides are integral to the regulation of glucose metabolism and appetite control, making them ideal candidates for therapeutic intervention. Recent developments in peptide modulation have demonstrated promising results, with novel agonists and dual receptor modulators showing enhanced efficacy in clinical trials, paving the way for innovative treatment options.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying GLP-1 and GIP receptor modulation is crucial, as it not only provides insight into metabolic regulation but also reveals potential pathways for novel therapeutic strategies. Advances in this field have led to the development of long-acting formulations and combinatorial approaches that improve patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. As the global prevalence of obesity and diabetes continues to rise, ongoing research in incretin-based therapies holds the promise of addressing these critical public health challenges.

Future research may lead to groundbreaking discoveries in incretin-based therapeutics, with a focus on personalized medicine approaches that consider individual patient profiles. Enhanced understanding of receptor interactions and the discovery of novel peptide structures could lead to the development of next-generation drugs that provide superior efficacy and safety profiles. Furthermore, advances in drug delivery systems may improve the bioavailability and effectiveness of these therapies, ultimately transforming the treatment landscape for metabolic disorders.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Polyamines are small polycationic molecules derived from arginine that play essential roles in various biological processes across a wide range of organisms, including animals, plants, and microorganisms. The polyamine biosynthetic pathway is initiated by ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), an enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting decarboxylation of ornithine to produce putrescine. Putrescine is subsequently converted to spermidine and spermine. These polyamines are involved in cellular growth including proliferation, cell differentiation and stress responses, acting as key regulators in metabolism and signaling pathways. Given their ubiquitous presence and diverse functions, understanding the mechanisms by which polyamines operate is critical for advancing our knowledge of cellular homeostasis and organismal physiology.

The significance of studying polyamines extends beyond basic biology, as recent advances have revealed their potential therapeutic applications in medicine and agriculture. For instance, research has shown that polyamines can mitigate oxidative stress in plants, enhance tolerance to environmental challenges, and even play a role in neuroprotection in animal models. By elucidating the intricate roles of polyamines and their metabolites, we can develop novel strategies to enhance crop resilience and devise innovative therapeutic approaches for human health.

Continued research into polyamines holds promise for uncovering novel pathways and interactions that could lead to groundbreaking advancements in both basic science and applied fields. As we deepen our understanding of how polyamines regulate growth and stress responses, transcription and translation of the signal, there is potential for the development of targeted interventions that improve plant resilience to climate change, optimize metabolic processes in microorganisms, and yield new therapeutic agents for complex pathologies in humans.

We invite Authors to contribute to the Special Issue by submitting original research articles, mini reviews, and full reviews that provide new insights into the diverse roles of polyamines.

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