LAUSR

This special issue of Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry puts together original research articles, state-of-the-art reviews, and expert opinions by well-recognized experts on the mechanisms and impact of protein–protein and protein–ligand interactions. All contributors underline that understanding the molecular mechanisms supporting new biological functions or unraveling the molecular details responsible for specific diseases require the synergistic combination of different innovative experimental approaches with computational analyses. First of all, we would like to dedicate this special issue to Prof. Alessandro Finazzi-Agrò, who retired in 2011. As an internationally recognized biochemist and former Rector of “Tor Vergata” University of Rome (Italy), he gave an invaluable support to the diffusion of the Italian biochemical research, inspiring many colleagues all over the world. His introductory historical note “PROTE-INS” is yet another contribution by this brilliant scientist in the fascinating field of proteins [1]. Articles in this special issue describe promising technical approaches that add to the challenge of translational research from experimental model systems. In particular, the up-to-date review by Deng and van der Stelt reports how activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) is a fundamental chemoproteomic technique for the study of interactions that allow the discovery of drug targets (but also hidden cross-reacting off-targets) and their validation in cells, tissues, and also in animal models. The review by Deng and van der Stelt also summarizes the fundamental role of the endocannabonoid system (ECS) in modulating inflammation and different pathophysiological conditions [2], discussing how ABPP can be applied to develop highly selective diacylglycerol lipases inhibitors as a promising therapeutical approach in the modulation of the ECS. Enocannabinoids are bioactive lipids, and all the proteins belonging to the ECS interact with membranes and can be potentially modulated by the surrounding lipids. In particular, as a preeminent member of G-protein-coupled receptors (indeed, the most abundant member of the GPCR family in our brain), CB1 can be functionally modulated by membrane lipids. The experimental work by Oddi and colleagues demonstrates