Editorial: Insights in Experimental Pharmacology and Drug Discovery: 2022

The aim set for this Research Topic was to continue providing a platform where researchers from around the world can describe new advances in the pharmacological field, and update the current state of scientific knowledge in areas related to pharmacological and therapeutic developments in human diseases. Following the Research Topic of 2022 (Trostchansky and Salomone, 2022), which focused on the use of various natural compounds with potential pharmacological effects, the authors contributing to this edition describe advancements in Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer Treatment, Chronic Pain Management, and HormoneDependentDiseases. In this context, the Research Topic comprises 4 articles, out of which two are original research articles, and the other two are literature reviews. Advancements in developing effective anticancer therapies have been significant, but challenges remain in certain cancers like oral cancer. Identifying novel therapeutic alternatives is crucial. Anoctamin 1 (ANO1) is an intracellular calcium-activated chloride ion channel that plays various roles in cancer growth and metastasis. Park et al. investigated the inhibitory effect of schisandrathera D, a novel compound derived from Schisandra sphenanthera, on the voltage-gated calcium-activated chloride channel Anoctamin 1 (ANO1) in prostate and oral cancers. The authors reported that Schisandrathera D effectively suppressed ANO1 activation. Interestingly, it did not affect intracellular calcium concentration induced by ATP or cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator activity induced by forskolin. Additionally, schisandrathera D gradually reduced ANO1 protein content and significantly decreased cell viability in ANO1-expressing cells compared to ANO1-knockout cells. Notably, schisandrathera D displayed a superior binding capacity to ANO1 protein compared to the known ANO1 inhibitor, Ani9. Furthermore, schisandrathera D increased caspase-3 and cleaved poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 levels, indicating its anticancer effect through apoptosis induction. These findings highlight schisandrathera D as a potential anticancer agent that reduces ANO1 protein levels and exerts apoptosis-mediated effects in prostate and oral cancers. In summary, the authors stated that their results provided the foundation for developing safe and effective anticancer drugs based on schisandrathera D. Continuing with the discussion of the pharmacological combat to different types of cancer, Lanišnik Rižner and Romano highlighted the current status and limitations of hormonal drugs OPEN ACCESS