Photopharmacology and Photochemical Biology

The use of light as treatment dates back to ancient civilizations. However, it was the discovery green fluorescent protein that led a paradigm shift in our ability observe and study cellular processes. Applying investigation spatial temporal dynamics location, structure, function has enabled biological discoveries were previously unimaginable made significant contributions both understanding human diseases. Now, researchers are going beyond using optical probes for visualization by introducing powerful approaches perturbation manipulation function. Using an external trigger enables control processes with same level spatio-temporal resolution present nature. In addition this, is ideal tool since bioorthogonal minimally invasive – if applied correctly. Furthermore, wavelength, intensity, duration irradiation can be precisely tuned, enabling not only rapid, full activation but also finely graded changes responses. Importantly, single system, different wavelengths used or deactivation providing independent control. These opportunities, which already recognized decades ago, example synthesis caged ATP development photodynamic therapy, now combined innovations fluorophore chemistry, drug design, device engineering, leading recent bloom this inherently interdisciplinary field. regard, new research areas such optogenetics photopharmacology have emerged. This Special Collection ChemPhotoChem contains publications novel light-responsive compounds, enzyme inhibitors, oligonucleotides, photosensitizers, small organic molecules, selectively activated, uncaged, photoswitched. collection describes efforts bring forward vivo application systems, improving pharmacokinetic properties developing innovative methodologies capable living organisms. important discovery-based research, many these studies focused on translational goals, ultimately provide treatments address unmet clinical needs. chemistry–biology interface uniquely suited advance combining engineering chromophores pharmacological agents macromolecules. We hope will inspire experts field prompt from other disciplines join us investigate open questions biology health. Finally, we would like express gratitude all authors who contributed collection, look seeing newest developments optochemical coming years. A.D. acknowledges support National Institutes Health (R01 GM127153 R01 GM132565) Science Foundation (CHE-1904972). O.V. Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) for: TRR81 “Chromatin Changes Differentiation Malignancies” (project TRR81/3 Z04; SPP1926 “Next Generation Optogenetics” VA 1002/4-1; AOBJ 65927); project 1002/5-1; AOBJ: 666911. Alexander Deiters received his PhD University Münster (Germany) 2000 subsequently did postdoctoral at Texas Scripps Institute (USA). He currently professor Pittsburgh, where group conducts chemistry biology, emphasis small-molecule oligonucleotide cells animals. Susanne Kossatz Assistant Professor Department Nuclear Medicine Central Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM) Technical Munich. She obtained Molecular Imaging Friedrich Schiller Jena conducted her Memorial Sloan Kettering Center New York City, NY (USA), before assuming current position Her interests involve translation molecular imaging tools improved tumor detection, intraoperative delineation, monitoring long-term goal improve outcome survival patients. design nuclear their suitability applications, preclinical validation translation. Olalla Vázquez Organic Chemistry (2010) Santiago de Compostela (Spain) under supervision Prof. Jose Luis Mascareñas Eugenio M. Vázquez, visits during labs Gregory L. Verdine (2006) Harvard Oliver Seitz (2008) Humboldt Universität zu Berlin. Afterwards, she returned Berlin Marie Curie fellow. 2014 appointed (W1) Marburg manage newborn Chemical Biology division. April 2020, successfully passed tenure evaluation promoted Associate (W2) January 2021. main approaches.