Multiple proteins and signaling pathways

The term Multiple proteins and signaling pathways is a non-specific descriptor used to characterize the broad biological impact of polypharmacological agents or complex disease mechanisms. It does not represent a single, discrete molecular entity such as a specific receptor, enzyme, or ion channel, but rather a network of various targets (Hopkins, A. L. (2008). Network pharmacology: the next paradigm in drug discovery. Nature Chemical Biology). In therapeutic contexts, drugs that affect multiple pathways—such as multi-kinase inhibitors or broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory agents—aim to overcome redundancy in signaling networks, which is common in multifactorial diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration (Anighoro, A., et al. (2014). Polypharmacology: Challenges and Opportunities in Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry Reviews). However, because this term lacks a unique sequence or structure, it is considered an incorrect entry for a database of specific therapeutic targets. The lack of specificity associated with this term often correlates with increased risks of off-target effects and unpredictable safety profiles in clinical settings. Consequently, this entry is classified as incorrect for the purposes of identifying a discrete, actionable drug target.

Not applicable as this is a collective term for various biological processes rather than a single target.