Editorial: The role of genes and network pharmacology in new drug discovery

In the ever-evolving field of new drug development, genetics and network pharmacology have emerged as two pivotal elements, revolutionizing the traditional paradigm of drug research and development [1]. Historically, new drug development relied heavily on broader and more empirical approaches. However, with advancements in genetic science and network pharmacology, this field is undergoing profound transformation.Genes, as the basic units of inheritance, are crucial for understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of diseases. In the past, the understanding of diseases was limited to superficial symptoms. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technology has enabled the decoding of the entire human genome, opening a door for researchers to the microscopic world and providing a vast amount of information on various disease-related gene variations [2]. This invaluable knowledge allows researchers to identify potential drug targets with unprecedented precision. In cancer research, for instance, the discovery of specific oncogenes like breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA) 1 and BRCA2 has directly fueled the development of targeted therapies such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase protein (PARP) inhibitors [3]. These drugs can precisely target cancer cells carrying BRCA mutations, leading to more significant therapeutic effects and drastically reduced side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy, thereby greatly enhancing the treatment experience and quality of life for cancer patients.On the other hand, network pharmacology takes a holistic view of complex biological systems. It recognizes that diseases are not caused by a single gene or protein but rather by perturbations in intricate molecular networks. By deeply analyzing the interactions among genes, proteins, and small molecules, network pharmacology aims to identify multitarget drugs that can regulate multiple nodes in disease-related networks [4]. This approach is particularly important for complex diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders and metabolic syndromes, which are often caused by multiple deregulated signaling pathways.For example, in Alzheimer's disease research, network-based drug discovery strategies are exploring drugs that can simultaneously target amyloid-beta (β) aggregation, tau phosphorylation, and neuroinflammatory pathways, potentially bringing new therapeutic hope to Alzheimer's patients [5].However, integrating genetics and network pharmacology in new drug development presents numerous challenges. One major obstacle is the complexity of data analysis.Large-scale genomic data generated by high-throughput experiments, along with complex network-related data, require advanced bioinformatics and computational tools for accurate interpretation [6]. Furthermore, new drug targets identified through these methods still require time-consuming and resource-intensive preclinical and clinical validation. From laboratory research to animal experiments and human clinical trials, each step demands substantial time, manpower, and funding, and any issues at any stage can hinder the entire research and development process [7].Therefore, the title of this research topic "The role of genes and network pharmacology in new drug discovery" was carried out which aims to better provide the academic forefront of computational methods for biomedical research in pharmacology and medicine in