Structural bioinformatics plays a crucial role in modern computational biology, driving breakthroughs in drug discovery, protein engineering, and understanding biomolecular interactions, as well as disease-causing modifications of these biomolecules. With the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based methods, enhanced molecular simulations, and integrative modeling approaches, this field is experiencing unprecedented progress.

This special issue aims to highlight cutting-edge research and novel applications in structural bioinformatics.

Structural bioinformatics is a broad field focused on applying computational approaches to proteins of biological and biomedical interest. It also addresses machine and deep learning methods dedicated to structural prediction, which have become essential for advancing protein structure and conformational modeling. New techniques for studying biomolecular interactions offer promising ways to better characterize protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions and understand their functional implications. Another important focus is computational drug design, which includes structure-based and AI-driven approaches for drug discovery and repurposing, as well as ligand docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. The field also includes integrative structural biology, combining experimental data and computational methods for multi-scale modeling of biomolecular systems. Finally, the development of structural databases, algorithms, and visualization tools remains central to supporting research in this field. This special issue aims to highlight the diverse yet interconnected and innovative aspects of structural bioinformatics.

We invite researchers to submit original research articles, reviews, and perspective papers that advance the field of structural bioinformatics.

The interaction between amino acids and climate changes represents a critical frontier in understanding the molecular and physiological adaptations of living organisms. As climate changes intensify, shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric composition pose significant challenges to biological systems in water, soil, and air. Amino acids, as fundamental building blocks of proteins and crucial metabolic intermediates, play pivotal roles in stress responses and resilience mechanisms in plants, microbes, and some animal species. This Collection seeks to explore the intricate relationships between amino acid metabolism and the physiological adjustments organisms make in response to environmental stressors across diverse ecosystems.

Advancements in research on amino acids have revealed their importance in mediating resilience and ecosystem functioning under changing climatic conditions. Studies have shown how amino acids influence nutrient availability and contribute to biogeochemical cycles that underpin ecosystem health. Moreover, understanding these relationships is vital for nutritional security, as climate changes threaten food production systems globally. By leveraging recent discoveries, we can identify innovative strategies for enhancing resilience and adaptation in agricultural, aquatic, and terrestrial ecosystems.

Continued research in this area promises to yield valuable insights into the mechanisms of amino acid function in climate adaptation. Future studies may uncover novel amino acid structures and pathways that confer stress tolerance, paving the way for bioengineering crops, microorganisms, and small animal species capable of thriving in altered climates. Such advancements could play a critical role in mitigating the impacts of climate changes on food systems and ecological health.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

We invite authors to contribute to the Collection by submitting original research articles, mini reviews, and full reviews that provide new insights into the diverse roles of amino acids, peptides and proteins in climate changes.

Please note:

(1) Article Processing Charges (APCs) may be covered by agreements that Springer Nature has with many institutions worldwide. We encourage authors to check with their institution and consult the journal’s main webpage to determine if they are eligible for coverage. If your institution is not included, please contact the journal directly and collection editor for further assistance on this point.

(2) Articles are collected as soon as they are accepted for publication. Authors do not need to wait for their article to appear in print or online until the final contribution to the collection has been submitted.