Guest Editors
Assoc. Prof. Vasil Georgiev
Email: vasgeorgiev@gmail.com
Affiliation: Laboratory of Cell Biosystems, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 139 Ruski Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Homepage:
Research Interests: plant tissue culture, functional genomics, gene expression, phytochemicals, anti-aging, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals

Summary
Plant cell and tissue culture technology has emerged as a powerful tool for the sustainable production of bioactive compounds with significant potential in promoting human health and combating disease. By leveraging the biosynthetic capabilities of plant cells under controlled conditions, this technology offers a unique platform to produce high-value phytochemicals, proteins, and other bioactive molecules free from environmental pollutants, microbial contamination, and genetic modification.
Recent advances in cellular agriculture and plant biotechnology have deepened our understanding of the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of these compounds. Moreover, there is growing evidence that plant-derived nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals can modulate key cellular processes, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, aging, and metabolic regulation, thereby contributing to disease prevention and health promotion.
This special issue aims to highlight cutting-edge research on the molecular mechanisms by which plant cell and tissue cultures contribute to human health and disease. We invite submissions that explore the genetic and cellular responses of plant cells to various stimuli, the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds, and their effects on human health at the molecular and cellular levels. By bridging the gap between plant biotechnology and cellular biology, this special issue seeks to advance our understanding of how plant-derived compounds can be harnessed to address global health challenges.
Scope and Topics
We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:
1. Molecular mechanisms of biosynthesis:
-Genetic and epigenetic regulation of biosynthetic pathways in plant cell and tissue cultures.
-Cellular responses to growth regulators, nutrients, signaling molecules, and environmental factors.
-Role of exosomes and other cellular components in modulating biosynthetic potential.
2. Health and disease relevance:
-Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and immunomodulatory properties of plant-derived compounds.
-Mechanisms by which plant-derived nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals modulate cellular processes in health and disease.
-Applications of plant cell cultures in the prevention and management of chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
3. Phytochemical profiling and metabolomics:
-Comprehensive analysis of bioactive compounds produced by plant cell and tissue cultures.
-Metabolomic approaches to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action of plant-derived compounds.
4. Innovative applications and technologies:
-Development of novel plant cell culture systems for the production of rare or high-value phytochemicals.
-Use of plant cell cultures as bioreactors for the production of therapeutic proteins and vaccines.
-Integration of omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) to optimize biosynthetic pathways.
5. Safety, efficacy, and regulatory aspects:
-Toxicity and nutritional evaluation of plant-derived nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals.
-Regulatory challenges and opportunities in the commercialization of plant cell culture-based products.
This special issue provides a unique platform for researchers to showcase their work at the intersection of plant biotechnology, cellular biology, and human health. By focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits of plant-derived compounds, this issue aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications, fostering collaboration across disciplines.
We encourage submissions from researchers working in plant biotechnology, cellular biology, molecular biology, pharmacology, and related fields. Together, we can advance our understanding of how plant cell and tissue cultures can be harnessed to improve human health and address global health challenges.
Keywords
Keywords: plant cell suspensions, callus cultures, hairy roots, adventitious roots, shoot cultures, gene expression, molecular mechanisms, oxidative stress, inflammation, aging, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, polysaccharides, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, metabolomics, cellular agriculture