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.