Author: Charysse Austria

We are excited to highlight new research from the IUBMB Journals: IUBMB Life, BioFactors, Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education.

Please also consider submitting your own research to the IUBMB Journals. You can expect to work with distinguished Editorial Board members and benefit from worldwide circulation and readership through our publishing partnership with Wiley. For more information about the journal and submissions, feel free to peruse the IUBMB journals website.

For now, please enjoy highlights of our recent content. Happy reading!

* Most Viewed & Most Cited in 2026.

IUBMB Life
New Issue: Volume 78, Issue 7

Issue Highlight (Subscription)

ALKBH4 Promotes Osteogenesis via Epigenetic Regulation of BMP2-Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Cervical Spine OPLL

H. Qiu, Y. Lin, X. Wang, L. Chen, X. Chen, and F. Feng, “ALKBH4 Promotes Osteogenesis via Epigenetic Regulation of BMP2-Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Cervical Spine OPLL,” IUBMB Life 78, no. 7 (2026): e70121.

DNA N6-methyladenine (6 mA) has recently been recognized as a novel epigenetic modification, with ALKBH4 identified as a specific demethylase. However, the role of ALKBH4 and DNA 6 mA in the pathogenesis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remains unclear. Tissue samples from OPLL patients and normal posterior longitudinal ligaments were collected, and ligament fibroblastic cells (LFCs) were isolated from OPLL tissues using primary culture. These findings demonstrate that ALKBH4 regulates OPLL progression by modulating BMP2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and by promoting BMP2 transcription through site-specific demethylation in human OPLL tissues and primary LFCs. ALKBH4 may therefore represent a promising therapeutic target for the management of OPLL.

Non-Telomeric Role of RAP1 in Facilitating NF-κB Activation and Driving Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression

R. Liu, N. Fu, S. Li, and T. Liu, “Non-Telomeric Role of RAP1 in Facilitating NF-κB Activation and Driving Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression,” IUBMB Life 78, no. 7 (2026): e70123.

RAP1 (TERF2IP) is a component of the shelterin complex that protects telomeric DNA and preserves chromosome stability. In addition to its telomeric function, accumulating evidence indicates that mammalian RAP1 also exerts multiple extra-telomeric functions. Notably, RAP1 has been reported to regulate the NF-κB signaling pathway and to function as a transcriptional regulator, suggesting potential roles in tumorigenesis. In this study, we found that RAP1 expression was significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Collectively, these findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for RAP1 in promoting HCC progression through activation of NF-κB signaling and identify the RAP1/NF-κB axis as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

—

SPECIAL ISSUES OPEN FOR SUBMISSION

• Cellular Stress Responses and Organ Repair: From Bench to Bedside
  • Deadline for Submissions: 31 May 2027
• The Role of Human Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease
  • Deadline for Submissions: 31 May 2027

CALL FOR PAPERS – SPECIAL ISSUES PROPOSALS

IUBMB Life solicits proposals for special issues relevant to the mission of our journal in the field of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Structural Biology and Molecular Medicine and pertinent areas. This is an open call for Special Issue Proposals, and all submissions will be reviewed in a timely manner. We will provide streamlined editorial support and assistance to the special issue guest editors.

Application Process

Prospective guest editor(s) need to complete the Special Issue Proposal Form available online and submit it to pnaraya3@wiley.com, together with the CV(s) of the proposed guest editor(s). Please state “IUBMB – SI proposal submission” in the subject line of your submission email.

A special issue proposal should include the following content:

• A short title that can clearly describe the scope of special issue;
• A short introduction about the significance of the special issue;
• Basic information and CV of Lead Guest Editor and Co-Guest Editors;
• List of potential authors and their tentative article titles;
• The estimated number of submissions;
• Proposed timeline.

Please visit the journal homepage for more information.

BioFactors
New Issue: Volume 52, Issue 4

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

Alpinia zerumbet-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Protect Against UVB-Induced Photoaging by Enhancing Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Skin Barrier Function

M.-R. Xu, H.-C. Wang, M.-S. Lee, and S.-Y. Wang, “Alpinia zerumbet-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Protect Against UVB-Induced Photoaging by Enhancing Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Skin Barrier Function,” BioFactors 52, no. 4 (2026): e70134.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a major cause of skin photoaging by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and barrier disruption. Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) have emerged as promising bioactive nanocarriers, but their roles in mitochondrial regulation and skin barrier homeostasis remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of extracellular vesicles derived from Alpinia zerumbet leaves (AZEVs) against UVB-induced photoaging in HaCaT keratinocytes. The results indicated that AZEVs exhibited typical extracellular vesicle characteristics, with an average size of 150 nm and a negative surface charge. These findings highlight AZEVs as a promising natural nanoplatform for anti-photoaging and skin repair applications.

Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Tumor-Suppressive and Immunoregulatory Roles of SEMA5B in Prostate Cancer

Z. Fan, Y. Lou, X. Zhou, et al., “Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Tumor-Suppressive and Immunoregulatory Roles of SEMA5B in Prostate Cancer,” BioFactors 52, no. 4 (2026): e70133.

SEMA5B plays an important role in the maintenance of neural development and is highly environment dependent in tumorigenesis. The roles of SEMA5B in prostate cancer remain underexplored. This study investigates SEMA5B’s functions in prostate cancer, revealing its role as a tumor suppressor transcriptionally regulated by androgen receptor and uncovering novel biomarkers and potential immunotherapeutic mechanisms.

—

CALL FOR PAPERS

• Next-Generation Biomarkers: From Multi-Omics Discovery to Clinical Translation
  • Deadline for Submission: 15 September 2026
• The Role of Human Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease
  • Deadline for Submission: 31 May 2027

CALL FOR SPECIAL ISSUE PROPOSALS

BioFactors solicits proposals for special issues relevant to the mission of our journal in the field of biological factors and pertinent areas. This is an open call for Special Issue Proposals, and all submissions will be reviewed in a timely manner. We will provide streamlined editorial support and assistance to the special issue guest editors.

Application Process

Prospective guest editor(s) need to complete the Special Issue Proposal Form (downloadable from the BioFactors’ homepage) and submit it to pnaraya3@wiley.com, together with the CV(s) of the proposed guest editor(s). Please state “BIOF – SI proposal submission” in the subject line of your submission email.

A special issue proposal should include the following content:

• A short title that can clearly describe the scope of special issue.
• A short introduction about the significance of the special issue.
• Basic information and CV of Lead Guest Editor and Co-Guest Editors.
• List of potential authors and their tentative article titles.
• The estimated number of submissions.
• Proposed timeline.

Please visit the journal homepage for more information.

Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry
New Issue: Volume 73, Issue 3

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

5-Methylcytosine Analysis of miRNAs in Minimal Change Disease

H. Zeng, D. Li, Y. Li, et al. “5-Methylcytosine Analysis of miRNAs in Minimal Change Disease.” Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry 73, no. 3 (2026): 1137– 1150.

Minimal change disease (MCD) is a glomerular disorder, which is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children. Additionally, the prevalence of MCD in adults has been increasing in recent years. During protein synthesis, noncoding RNAs can be regulated through a variety of modifications, which helps preserve biological diversity and complexity. This study aims to investigate the role of m5C-modified miRNAs in MCD, with the goal of identifying promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for patients with this condition. Our findings revealed a substantial number of differentially modified m5C miRNAs in patients with MCD, predominantly exhibiting downregulation of modification

Bacterial Pigments as Potential Antitumor Agents Against Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

R. Vergara, R. F. S. Pereira, C. C. C. R. de Carvalho, J. Prados, C. Melguizo, and R. Ortiz, “Bacterial Pigments as Potential Antitumor Agents Against Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Comprehensive Systematic Review.” Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry 73, no. 3 (2026): 1626– 1646.

Gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) constitute one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite currently available therapeutic strategies, new approaches and procedures are needed for their prevention and treatment. In this context, bacterial pigments are compounds with diverse biological activities, including anticancer properties. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the in vitro antitumor activity of pigments derived from bacteria against GICs. In conclusion, the great ability of bacteria to produce pigments provides a potentially valuable source of novel candidate compounds for cancer therapy, but further studies in this field will be necessary to prove their value as antitumor agents.

—

CALL FOR PAPERS

• Emerging Roles of Ionic Liquids and Deep Eutectic Solvents in Sustainable Biotechnology
  • Deadline for Submissions: 30 November 2026
• Frontiers in Biotechnology: From Fundamental Advances to Sustainable Applications
  • Deadline for Submissions: 30 November 2026

Newly Launched Editor’s Choices: Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry

Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry is excited to launch its Editor’s Choices collection, featuring impactful research chosen by the journal’s editor

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education
New Issue: Volume 54, Issue 4

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

Click Before You Pipette: Building Foundational Pipetting Skills and Confidence With an Interactive Prelaboratory Simulation

M. Costabile and B. Loveys, “Click Before You Pipette: Building Foundational Pipetting Skills and Confidence With an Interactive Prelaboratory Simulation,” Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education 54, no. 4 (2026): 377–385.

Correctly setting and reading a manual air displacement micropipette is an essential yet challenging skill for life-science students. The incorrect delivery of volumes affects both experimental outcomes and data interpretation, potentially reducing student confidence in the laboratory. To address this issue, we developed and evaluated an interactive simulation using Articulate Storyline. Our novel approach isolated and addressed the critical cognitive task of reading a micropipette dial from the physical skill of using the tool. This simulation is an ideal preparatory tool within a blended learning framework, significantly improving student confidence and accuracy. By mastering the cognitive prerequisite in a safe, virtual environment, students are better prepared for effective hands-on practice in a face-to-face setting.

Evaluation of DeepSeek-Generated Biochemistry Clinical Cases for Teaching Purpose

S. Tan, S. Ni, K. Zhang, et al., “Evaluation of DeepSeek-Generated Biochemistry Clinical Cases for Teaching Purpose,” Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education 54, no. 4 (2026): 397– 407.

To overcome limitations in traditional case-based teaching, this study developed an AI-driven workflow using DeepSeek to generate contemporary, interdisciplinary clinical biochemistry cases. Through human-AI collaboration, eight structured cases covering key topics such as carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were created, each including a clinical description, molecular mechanisms, and Q&A, followed by instructor review. In conclusion, DeepSeek-generated cases are efficient, interdisciplinary, and innovative. Human review remains essential for ensuring clinical rigor, particularly in nuanced scenarios. This collaborative approach enhances both the efficiency of case development and the educational quality of biochemistry teaching materials.

—

CALL FOR PAPERS

• Transforming Molecular Life Sciences Education: Past, Current, and Future Insights and Practices
  • Submission deadline: 31 December 2026
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Access (DEIJA) in Molecular Life Sciences Education
  • Submission deadline: 31 December 2026
    
    

Did you know? Wiley and Jisc have signed an agreement that allows UK authors to publish Open Access in the IUBMB Journals at no cost to them.

Thanks to a partnership our publisher Wiley has signed with Jisc, certain UK institutions now have full access to journals published by Wiley, including the IUBMB Journals. Further, the partnership enables authors at participating UK institutions to publish open access at no cost to them in the IUBMB Journals. Payment of the associated Article Publication Charges (APC) would be covered via the partnership, and authors will not need to cover the APCs from their own pockets.

Wiley has also signed similar agreements with universities in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Hungary, Finland, Sweden, and many other countries and regions. A comprehensive list of our funder agreements can be found here.

Submit your research to the IUBMB Journals today.

Molecular Aspects of Medicine

Volume 111 (October 2026) 101502
The gut microbiota in cachexia: master regulator of neuro-immune-metabolic cross-talk

Ke Gao, Wenjin Xi, Yonghua Lei, Jianxin Ni, Chi Zhang, Wenting Feng, Yanan Ouyang, Yongpan An, Xiaoshun Li, Bin Wu, Qing Xue, Abulikemu Baihetiyaer, Gang Zhao, Guojun Wu, Rui Zhang.

Cachexia is a complex and debilitating syndrome characterized by muscle wasting, metabolic dysfunction, inflammation and, frequently, loss of appetite. Inflammation has traditionally been considered a major driver but a more complex picture has emerged in the last years.

Recently, Gao et al. published a review in Molecular Aspects of Medicine that explores the gut microbiota as a potential master regulator of neuro–immune–metabolic cross-talk in cachexia.

Gao and colleagues discussed how gut dysbiosis and microbial metabolites—including short-chain fatty acids, bile acids and tryptophan-derived metabolites—may influence:

🦠 Intestinal barrier integrity
🔥 Systemic inflammation and immune homeostasis
💪 Skeletal muscle and adipose tissue metabolism
🧠 the gut–brain axis, appetite and neuroendocrine signalling.

The therapeutic potential of microbiota-targeted approaches, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation and metabolite-based strategies has been also examined by the authors. While the evidence is promising, significant challenges remain in translating preclinical findings into effective clinical interventions.

This review contributes to a broader understanding of cachexia but further research into the microbiota–host–organ network as a potential avenue for diagnosis and treatment is the new challenge for the future years.

*Stay in touch https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16907015/

Aspects of Molecular Medicine

Volume 8 (December 2026) 100111
Integrative multi-omics analysis for diagnosis and molecular profiling of multiple primary lung cancer

Gao W, Liu Q, Jin C.

Multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC), in which two or more independent tumors develop in the lung, presents an important diagnostic problem: are separate lesions independent primary tumors, or does one represent a metastasis of another? The distinction is critical for staging and treatment but cannot always be resolved by conventional histopathology.

In a recent review in Aspects of Molecular Medicine, Weining Gao, Qiang Liu and Chuxuan Jin examine how molecular approaches can help address this problem. Genomic analysis can determine whether tumors in the same patient share molecular alterations or have distinct mutational profiles, providing evidence about their origin. Proteomic and immunohistochemical information adds a functional dimension and can reveal substantial differences among individual lesions.

The integration of these approaches—multi-omics—may therefore provide a more complete molecular identity for each tumor, improving classification and potentially guiding targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

The broader message extends beyond lung cancer. Molecular medicine increasingly faces the challenge not simply of generating genomic, proteomic and other “omics” data, but of integrating them into biologically meaningful and clinically useful information. MPLC provides a clear example of how molecular profiling is moving from tumor description toward disease classification and precision medicine.

Melissa Mutepfa is an undergraduate student in her final year of training from 2026 to 2027 at the University of Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology specializing in Plant Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry. Conducting her research within the university’s Biotechnology Lab, her academic training focuses on utilizing locally available natural resources to address critical food safety and public health challenges. Her final-year project aims to develop and validate a cost-effective, sustainable mycotoxin-binding agent from Zimbabwean agro-industrial waste to prevent chronic public health risks like liver cancer and immune suppression caused by food contamination.

The latest edition of the IUBMB Biannual Newsletter is now available.

Issue 21 highlights the Union’s activities and achievements from the past six months, featuring updates on scientific meetings, education and training initiatives, fellowships, awards, regional activities, and other programs that support the global biochemistry and molecular biology community.

We invite members, colleagues, and partners to explore the newsletter and learn more about the ongoing work and impact of the IUBMB around the world.

We are excited to highlight new research from the IUBMB Journals: IUBMB Life, BioFactors, Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education.

Please also consider submitting your own research to the IUBMB Journals. You can expect to work with distinguished Editorial Board members and benefit from worldwide circulation and readership through our publishing partnership with Wiley. For more information about the journal and submissions, feel free to peruse the IUBMB journals website.

For now, please enjoy highlights of our recent content. Happy reading!

* Most Viewed & Most Cited in 2026.

IUBMB Life
New Issue: Volume 78, Issue 7

Issue Highlight (Subscription)

ALKBH4 Promotes Osteogenesis via Epigenetic Regulation of BMP2-Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Cervical Spine OPLL

H. Qiu, Y. Lin, X. Wang, L. Chen, X. Chen, and F. Feng, “ALKBH4 Promotes Osteogenesis via Epigenetic Regulation of BMP2-Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Cervical Spine OPLL,” IUBMB Life 78, no. 7 (2026): e70121.

DNA N6-methyladenine (6 mA) has recently been recognized as a novel epigenetic modification, with ALKBH4 identified as a specific demethylase. However, the role of ALKBH4 and DNA 6 mA in the pathogenesis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remains unclear. Tissue samples from OPLL patients and normal posterior longitudinal ligaments were collected, and ligament fibroblastic cells (LFCs) were isolated from OPLL tissues using primary culture. These findings demonstrate that ALKBH4 regulates OPLL progression by modulating BMP2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and by promoting BMP2 transcription through site-specific demethylation in human OPLL tissues and primary LFCs. ALKBH4 may therefore represent a promising therapeutic target for the management of OPLL.

Non-Telomeric Role of RAP1 in Facilitating NF-κB Activation and Driving Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression

R. Liu, N. Fu, S. Li, and T. Liu, “Non-Telomeric Role of RAP1 in Facilitating NF-κB Activation and Driving Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression,” IUBMB Life 78, no. 7 (2026): e70123.

RAP1 (TERF2IP) is a component of the shelterin complex that protects telomeric DNA and preserves chromosome stability. In addition to its telomeric function, accumulating evidence indicates that mammalian RAP1 also exerts multiple extra-telomeric functions. Notably, RAP1 has been reported to regulate the NF-κB signaling pathway and to function as a transcriptional regulator, suggesting potential roles in tumorigenesis. In this study, we found that RAP1 expression was significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Collectively, these findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for RAP1 in promoting HCC progression through activation of NF-κB signaling and identify the RAP1/NF-κB axis as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

—

SPECIAL ISSUES OPEN FOR SUBMISSION

• Cellular Stress Responses and Organ Repair: From Bench to Bedside
  • Deadline for Submissions: 31 May 2027
• The Role of Human Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease
  • Deadline for Submissions: 31 May 2027

CALL FOR PAPERS – SPECIAL ISSUES PROPOSALS

IUBMB Life solicits proposals for special issues relevant to the mission of our journal in the field of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Structural Biology and Molecular Medicine and pertinent areas. This is an open call for Special Issue Proposals, and all submissions will be reviewed in a timely manner. We will provide streamlined editorial support and assistance to the special issue guest editors.

Application Process

Prospective guest editor(s) need to complete the Special Issue Proposal Form available online and submit it to pnaraya3@wiley.com, together with the CV(s) of the proposed guest editor(s). Please state “IUBMB – SI proposal submission” in the subject line of your submission email.

A special issue proposal should include the following content:

• A short title that can clearly describe the scope of special issue;
• A short introduction about the significance of the special issue;
• Basic information and CV of Lead Guest Editor and Co-Guest Editors;
• List of potential authors and their tentative article titles;
• The estimated number of submissions;
• Proposed timeline.

Please visit the journal homepage for more information.

BioFactors
New Issue: Volume 52, Issue 4

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

Alpinia zerumbet-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Protect Against UVB-Induced Photoaging by Enhancing Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Skin Barrier Function

M.-R. Xu, H.-C. Wang, M.-S. Lee, and S.-Y. Wang, “Alpinia zerumbet-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Protect Against UVB-Induced Photoaging by Enhancing Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Skin Barrier Function,” BioFactors 52, no. 4 (2026): e70134.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a major cause of skin photoaging by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and barrier disruption. Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) have emerged as promising bioactive nanocarriers, but their roles in mitochondrial regulation and skin barrier homeostasis remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of extracellular vesicles derived from Alpinia zerumbet leaves (AZEVs) against UVB-induced photoaging in HaCaT keratinocytes. The results indicated that AZEVs exhibited typical extracellular vesicle characteristics, with an average size of 150 nm and a negative surface charge. These findings highlight AZEVs as a promising natural nanoplatform for anti-photoaging and skin repair applications.

Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Tumor-Suppressive and Immunoregulatory Roles of SEMA5B in Prostate Cancer

Z. Fan, Y. Lou, X. Zhou, et al., “Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Tumor-Suppressive and Immunoregulatory Roles of SEMA5B in Prostate Cancer,” BioFactors 52, no. 4 (2026): e70133.

SEMA5B plays an important role in the maintenance of neural development and is highly environment dependent in tumorigenesis. The roles of SEMA5B in prostate cancer remain underexplored. This study investigates SEMA5B’s functions in prostate cancer, revealing its role as a tumor suppressor transcriptionally regulated by androgen receptor and uncovering novel biomarkers and potential immunotherapeutic mechanisms.

—

CALL FOR PAPERS

• Next-Generation Biomarkers: From Multi-Omics Discovery to Clinical Translation
  • Deadline for Submission: 15 September 2026
• The Role of Human Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease
  • Deadline for Submission: 31 May 2027

CALL FOR SPECIAL ISSUE PROPOSALS

BioFactors solicits proposals for special issues relevant to the mission of our journal in the field of biological factors and pertinent areas. This is an open call for Special Issue Proposals, and all submissions will be reviewed in a timely manner. We will provide streamlined editorial support and assistance to the special issue guest editors.

Application Process

Prospective guest editor(s) need to complete the Special Issue Proposal Form (downloadable from the BioFactors’ homepage) and submit it to pnaraya3@wiley.com, together with the CV(s) of the proposed guest editor(s). Please state “BIOF – SI proposal submission” in the subject line of your submission email.

A special issue proposal should include the following content:

• A short title that can clearly describe the scope of special issue.
• A short introduction about the significance of the special issue.
• Basic information and CV of Lead Guest Editor and Co-Guest Editors.
• List of potential authors and their tentative article titles.
• The estimated number of submissions.
• Proposed timeline.

Please visit the journal homepage for more information.

Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry
New Issue: Volume 73, Issue 3

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

5-Methylcytosine Analysis of miRNAs in Minimal Change Disease

H. Zeng, D. Li, Y. Li, et al. “5-Methylcytosine Analysis of miRNAs in Minimal Change Disease.” Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry 73, no. 3 (2026): 1137– 1150.

Minimal change disease (MCD) is a glomerular disorder, which is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children. Additionally, the prevalence of MCD in adults has been increasing in recent years. During protein synthesis, noncoding RNAs can be regulated through a variety of modifications, which helps preserve biological diversity and complexity. This study aims to investigate the role of m5C-modified miRNAs in MCD, with the goal of identifying promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for patients with this condition. Our findings revealed a substantial number of differentially modified m5C miRNAs in patients with MCD, predominantly exhibiting downregulation of modification

Bacterial Pigments as Potential Antitumor Agents Against Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

R. Vergara, R. F. S. Pereira, C. C. C. R. de Carvalho, J. Prados, C. Melguizo, and R. Ortiz, “Bacterial Pigments as Potential Antitumor Agents Against Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Comprehensive Systematic Review.” Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry 73, no. 3 (2026): 1626– 1646.

Gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) constitute one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite currently available therapeutic strategies, new approaches and procedures are needed for their prevention and treatment. In this context, bacterial pigments are compounds with diverse biological activities, including anticancer properties. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the in vitro antitumor activity of pigments derived from bacteria against GICs. In conclusion, the great ability of bacteria to produce pigments provides a potentially valuable source of novel candidate compounds for cancer therapy, but further studies in this field will be necessary to prove their value as antitumor agents.

—

CALL FOR PAPERS

• Emerging Roles of Ionic Liquids and Deep Eutectic Solvents in Sustainable Biotechnology
  • Deadline for Submissions: 30 November 2026
• Frontiers in Biotechnology: From Fundamental Advances to Sustainable Applications
  • Deadline for Submissions: 30 November 2026

Newly Launched Editor’s Choices: Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry

Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry is excited to launch its Editor’s Choices collection, featuring impactful research chosen by the journal’s editor

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education
New Issue: Volume 54, Issue 4

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

Click Before You Pipette: Building Foundational Pipetting Skills and Confidence With an Interactive Prelaboratory Simulation

M. Costabile and B. Loveys, “Click Before You Pipette: Building Foundational Pipetting Skills and Confidence With an Interactive Prelaboratory Simulation,” Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education 54, no. 4 (2026): 377–385.

Correctly setting and reading a manual air displacement micropipette is an essential yet challenging skill for life-science students. The incorrect delivery of volumes affects both experimental outcomes and data interpretation, potentially reducing student confidence in the laboratory. To address this issue, we developed and evaluated an interactive simulation using Articulate Storyline. Our novel approach isolated and addressed the critical cognitive task of reading a micropipette dial from the physical skill of using the tool. This simulation is an ideal preparatory tool within a blended learning framework, significantly improving student confidence and accuracy. By mastering the cognitive prerequisite in a safe, virtual environment, students are better prepared for effective hands-on practice in a face-to-face setting.

Evaluation of DeepSeek-Generated Biochemistry Clinical Cases for Teaching Purpose

A. Vázquez-Salazar, “An Idea to Explore: From How to Why: Using Evolutionary Biochemistry to Inspire Biochemistry Education,” Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education 54, no. 3 (2026): 264–270.

Traditional biochemistry instruction often emphasizes mechanistic detail, that is, how molecules and pathways function, without equally addressing why they have their present forms. By integrating concepts from molecular evolution, origins-of-life research, and historical biochemistry, instructors can connect isolated facts into coherent stories of adaptation, innovation, and contingency across deep time. This teaching perspective argues that embedding the why into the how promotes deeper engagement, improves retention, and encourages interdisciplinary thinking. Practical strategies are proposed for incorporating evolutionary framing into existing curricula without sacrificing core content coverage.

A CURE for Microbiology Experiment: Isolation and Characterization of Antimicrobial-Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria From Fermented Sichuan Pickle Against Pathogenic Bacteria

L. Wang, Z. Yu, “A CURE for Microbiology Experiment: Isolation and Characterization of Antimicrobial-Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria From Fermented Sichuan Pickle Against Pathogenic Bacteria.” Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education 54, no. 4 (2026): 408–415.

Traditional microbiology experimental teaching methodology, often based on rigid “cookbook” experiment plans, fails to meet the growing need to cultivate skilled and innovative individuals. Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) provide a solution by integrating research-based learning into the curriculum, offering an opportunity to improve the “hard” and “soft” skills for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students. In this study, a CURE was incorporated into the microbiology experiment curriculum focusing on the isolation and characterization of antimicrobial-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from fermented Sichuan pickles. The CURE was divided into four key sections: (i) designing an experimental plan, (ii) isolation of LAB, (iii) evaluating the antibacterial effects and antibacterial active substances of LAB, and (iv) identifying LAB species and completing the experimental report. Through a tutor observation of the experiment process and a student questionnaire survey, the study demonstrated that CURE-based microbiology experiments significantly improved students’ laboratory skills and microbiological-related experimental operation ability and nurtured their scientific thinking. This approach enhances students’ preparedness for future career success and cultivates the growth of a well-rounded, skilled person in STEM disciplines.

Click Before You Pipette: Building Foundational Pipetting Skills and Confidence With an Interactive Prelaboratory Simulation

M. Costabile, B. Loveys, “Click Before You Pipette: Building Foundational Pipetting Skills and Confidence With an Interactive Prelaboratory Simulation,” Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education 54, no. 4 (2026): 377-385.

Correctly setting and reading a manual air displacement micropipette is an essential yet challenging skill for life-science students. The incorrect delivery of volumes affects both experimental outcomes and data interpretation, potentially reducing student confidence in the laboratory. To address this issue, we developed and evaluated an interactive simulation using Articulate Storyline. Our novel approach isolated and addressed the critical cognitive task of reading a micropipette dial from the physical skill of using the tool. This intervention offers a uniquely scalable and cost-effective solution compared to the use of physical micropipettes. Existing training often focuses on the physical action, leaving a gap for a scalable digital tool that allows students to first master the cognitive challenge of reading the dial. Using a prepost mixed methods design, we measured student perceptions of the approach and changes in student performance across confidence, unit conversion, and micropipette dial reading accuracy. Students at two independent universities showed significant improvements in self-rated confidence and accuracy in reading micropipette scales after using the simulation. Student feedback was highly positive regarding the benefits of the simulation in learning these skills and enhancing their self-efficacy. This simulation is an ideal preparatory tool within a blended learning framework, significantly improving student confidence and accuracy. By mastering the cognitive prerequisite in a safe, virtual environment, students are better prepared for effective hands-on practice in a face-to-face setting.

—

CALL FOR PAPERS

• Transforming Molecular Life Sciences Education: Past, Current, and Future Insights and Practices
  • Submission deadline: 31 December 2026
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Access (DEIJA) in Molecular Life Sciences Education
  • Submission deadline: 31 December 2026
    
    

Did you know? Wiley and Jisc have signed an agreement that allows UK authors to publish Open Access in the IUBMB Journals at no cost to them.

Thanks to a partnership our publisher Wiley has signed with Jisc, certain UK institutions now have full access to journals published by Wiley, including the IUBMB Journals. Further, the partnership enables authors at participating UK institutions to publish open access at no cost to them in the IUBMB Journals. Payment of the associated Article Publication Charges (APC) would be covered via the partnership, and authors will not need to cover the APCs from their own pockets.

Wiley has also signed similar agreements with universities in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Hungary, Finland, Sweden, and many other countries and regions. A comprehensive list of our funder agreements can be found here.

Submit your research to the IUBMB Journals today.

Molecular Aspects of Medicine

Volume 109 (2026) 101476
Advancing precision medicine in pancreatic cancer using novel biomarkers and clinical targets

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the deadliest cancers, with limited treatment options and few patients benefiting from currently available targeted therapies. A recent review published on Molecular Aspects of Medicine, discussed how emerging biomarkers, liquid biopsy, multi-omics approaches, patient-derived models, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the future of pancreatic cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Authors highlighted the importance of integrating tumor biology with the microenvironment and systemic factors to develop truly personalized therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcomes.

I believe this paper serve as a useful resource for researchers and clinicians working toward more effective precision oncology approaches for pancreatic cancer.

*Stay in touch https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16907015/

Aspects of Molecular Medicine

Volume 7 (June 2026) 100103
Virome remodeling rewires epigenetic and metabolic pathways linked to infection-associated colorectal cancer risk

Botle Precious Damane et al.

This recent study published in Aspects of Molecular Medicine explores how changes in the gut virome may contribute to colorectal cancer risk through alterations in metabolic and epigenetic pathways. Damane and colleagues investigated South African adults with HIV infection, helminth infection, HIV–helminth coinfection or colorectal cancer, alongside uninfected controls.

Using shotgun metagenomic sequencing, the researchers examined an often-overlooked component of the intestinal microbiome: its viral community. Their findings suggest that infection-associated changes in the gut virome may interact with host molecular pathways involved in carcinogenesis.

The study brings together microbiome research, infectious disease, epigenetics and cancer biology while drawing attention to the increasing burden of colorectal cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. It illustrates the importance of studying molecular disease mechanisms in diverse populations and provides new directions for biomarker development and cancer prevention research.

Gabriela Guedes has a highly multidisciplinary background, combining a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a master’s in Biomedical Materials and Devices, from the University of Aveiro, Portugal, and a PhD in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine, obtained at CIC biomaGUNE, Spain. She is currently a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department Pharmacology of Department at the University of Cambridge, working at the interface of protein engineering, nanotechnology, and biomedicine. Her research focuses on the development of protein-based nanomaterials for healthcare applications.

Congratulations to the latest recipients of the IUBMB Wood-Whelan Research Fellowships. This round of awards recognizes outstanding early-career researchers from Argentina, Canada, Cuba, Italy, and Serbia, who have been selected to receive fellowship support to undertake research and scientific collaboration at host laboratories within the IUBMB region.

Romina Aimar is an Argentinian biotechnologist and currently a PhD student in Neurosciences at the Biological Chemistry Research Center of Córdoba (CIQUIBIC-CONICET) and the National University of Córdoba (UNC), Argentina. She also holds a position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Chemistry at UNC. Her doctoral research, supervised by Dr. Lucas Sosa, focuses on the genetic dosage effect of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) and its critical role in early neuronal degeneration and pathogenesis associated with Alzheimer’s Disease in Down Syndrome.

Alessandra Aulino is from Trapani, Sicily, Italy, and is currently a PhD candidate in the Doctoral School in Biological Sciences and Oncology of the University of Turin, studying neurogenetics and rare genetic diseases.

She chose a career in genetics because she has always been fascinated by how small changes in DNA can shape such complex and diverse human traits. Genetics represents a bridge between fundamental science and real-life impact, offering the possibility to better understand patients’ conditions and contribute, even in a small way, to improved diagnosis and care.

What she finds especially compelling about her work is the opportunity to investigate a gene, combining genetic data with experimental approaches to uncover its potential role. More broadly, her work reflects the challenge and excitement of moving from a single genetic finding to a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms behind it.

Natalia Burachik is a PhD student from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has a degree in Biology with a specialization in molecular biology from the University of Buenos Aires. She has always loved nature, and plants quickly won her heart. Intrigued by how light influences an organism’s growth, she joined Dr. Agustina Mazzella’s Plant Phototransduction Laboratory at INGEBI–CONICET in 2021, where she completed her undergraduate thesis and began her PhD. She is currently working on uncovering how phosphorylation modulates the function of different proteins such as the splicing factor At-RS31 in Arabidopsis thaliana (the molecular plant model) in response to light. She uses a lot of microscopy and molecular techniques. She is also passionate about teaching and science communication. She teaches Botany at her university and has participated in various public science events throughout the city. Outside of science, she is an art enthusiast who enjoys painting with oils on canvas as her way of staying grounded.

Jovana Ćurčić is a PhD candidate and Research Assistant in the Group for Molecular Microbiology at the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE), University of Belgrade, Serbia. She completed her BSc in Molecular Biology and Physiology in 2020 and her MSc in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in 2021 at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, where she also start her PhD studies.

Her research focuses on the discovery and characterization of novel lactonases—quorum-quenching enzymes that disrupt bacterial communication and virulence. She studies their biochemical properties, antibiofilm, antiquorum sensing, and antivirulence potential, as well as their synergy with antibiotics and safety profiles. Her work combines in vitro and in vivo approaches, using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system.

Sandra del Valle Pelaiz graduated in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Havana, Cuba, in 2024. She currently serves as an Instructor Professor at the Faculty of Biology, where she teaches Enzymology and Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism. Her research explores aminopeptidase inhibitors as potential therapeutic tools, as the activity of these enzymes is associated with features of the malignant phenotype, making them attractive targets for anticancer intervention.

She is affiliated with projects under the Cuban National Program of Basic Sciences, as well as an industry collaboration with the Center of Molecular Immunology. Her bachelor’s thesis received the Best Thesis Prize at the National Student Forum, and she was also awarded the Rector’s Award from the University of Havana for her outstanding trajectory as a student researcher.

She is a co-author of two articles published in peer-reviewed international journals, and her work has been presented at national and international scientific events.

Andrew J. Gierys is a 4^th year PhD candidate at the University of Manitoba working in the Department of Microbiology at the Prehna Lab.  His research focuses on the structural characterization of membrane-protein effectors and their deployment across membranes by the Type-6 Secretion System (T6SS). He has been awarded the IUBMB Wood Whelan Research Fellowship to travel to King’s College, London in Dr. Julien Bergeron’s lab to complete his project on the “Structural elucidation of VgrG-PAAR assembly in the Type-6 secretion system arrow-tip” using Cryo-EM. By obtaining a structure of a membrane-bound T6SS arrow-tip we can better understand how effectors are piloted across membranes in prey cells an enact their toxic activity.

Lucía Lanza is a postdoctoral researcher at the Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET–National University of Tucumán, Argentina), working under the supervision of Dr. Carlos Minahk. Her research focuses on antimicrobial peptides produced by lactic acid bacteria and the development of novel therapeutic strategies against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Her current work investigates the antibacterial mechanisms and translational potential of bacteriocins, with particular interest in nanotechnology-based delivery systems to improve peptide stability, bioavailability, and intracellular activity. Through the IUBMB Wood-Whelan Research Fellowship, she will undertake a research stay at Pennsylvania State University in the laboratory of Dr. Dipanjan Pan to develop ionizable lipid-based cubosome formulations for the targeted delivery of Enterocin CRL35, aiming to advance new precision antimicrobial approaches for difficult-to-treat bacterial infections.

Natalia Pagliaro is a PhD student at the Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (UNSAM-CONICET) in Argentina. She completed her degree in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology at Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Her current research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying germ stem cell proliferation during embryonic gonadal development, a critical and conserved process across vertebrates whose disruption can lead to severe reproductive consequences, including infertility. Specifically, her project investigates how the microRNA miR-23a2 regulates germ cell proliferation through ndrg1b in female medaka fish embryos. 

Receiving the IUBMB Wood-Whelan Research Fellowship represents a significant contribution to her career. It will allow her to travel to Germany for a research stay at the University of Heidelberg, joining the laboratory of Dr. Lázaro Centanin at the Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), where she will learn to transplant germ cells from mir-23a2 mutant and wt individuals into sterile host embryos, exploring whether this microRNA acts intrinsically or extrinsically from germ or somatic cells.

This collaboration will significantly advance her doctoral thesis, and she looks forward to bringing this knowledge back to her lab in Argentina to help grow the local scientific community.

Congratulations to Kaitlin Beel, Saswata Chakrabarty, Liam Fawcett, Hanna Bradford Olson, and Sam Wyatt on receiving the IUBMB Life, BioFactors, Biotechnology & Applied Biochemistry, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Best Poster Award at the 2026 FASEB Science Research Conference on Protein Phosphorylation in Health and Disease, held 13–15 July 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

We extend our warmest congratulations to all the recipients for this well-deserved recognition and their outstanding contributions to the field.

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 PROBio-LatAm Fellowships Programme, an initiative supporting mobility, training and scientific exchange for researchers in the molecular life sciences across Latin America and Europe.

This year’s fellowships have been awarded to researchers from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, and Mexico, who will undertake research visits in laboratories across FEBS countries as part of the programme.

Yemina Rocío Abelendo is from Entre Ríos, Argentina. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from the Faculty of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences (FBCB) at the National University of the Litoral (Universidad Nacional del Litoral, UNL), where she currently serves as a teaching assistant. She is presently in the fourth year of her PhD studies at the Institute of Agrobiotechnology of the Litoral (Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral, IAL; CONICET–UNL) in Santa Fe, Argentina. Her doctoral research aims to comprehend the Integrated Stress Response (ISR) in a model of tumorigenesis based on aneuploid cells generated in the wing primordium of Drosophila melanogaster. During her upcoming research stay at Dr. Marco Milán’s laboratory at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Barcelona, Spain, she intends to utilize advanced FRET biosensors to study metabolic and stress signaling pathways in epithelial tumor models.

Evelyn Becerra Agudelo is a Colombian Biotechnologist, Environmental Engineer, and CONICET PhD Fellow performing doctoral research in Biological Sciences in Argentina at the Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (IAL – UNL), under the supervision of Dr. Elina Welchen. Additionally, the applicant serves as a Teaching Assistant in Cellular and Molecular Biology. The doctoral research focuses on plant molecular biology, specifically exploring the role of OXR proteins in plant growth, cellular defense, and stress tolerance. Recently, the applicant was awarded the IUBMB-FEBS-PABMB PROBio-LatAm Fellowship for a three-month research stay in Dr. Pilar Cubas’ laboratory at the National Centre of Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC) in Madrid, Spain.

Micaela Coletta is a PhD candidate in Biological Sciences at the Universidad Nacional de La Plata (Argentina) and a doctoral fellow of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET). Her research focuses on translational regulation, particularly the role of Me31B and eIF4E in controlling gene expression under cold-adaptation conditions. She investigates the molecular biology of the plecopteran Andiperla morenensis, an endemic insect adapted to extreme cold environments in Patagonia, and the first insect reported to complete its entire life cycle on a glacier. Micaela has presented her research at national and international scientific meetings and has received several competitive fellowships, including support from IUBMB, EMBO, UNU-BIOLAC, and FEBS. In addition to her research activities, she serves as a teaching assistant at the School of Medical Sciences of the Universidad Nacional de La Plata and actively participates in academic event organization.

Eduardo Hernández Fleites graduated with honors as an Engineer in Bioinformatics in 2023 at the University of Informatic Sciences in La Havana. His graduation thesis was focused on the exploration of molecular mechanisms for inhibiting the buterycholinesterase enzyme and its implications in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, he is a Ph.D. student at the Group of Protein Engineering at the Center of Molecular Immunology. His research focuses on the study of scRNA-sq data of engineered variants of IL-2. He has participated in courses in Basic Immunology and scRNA-seq analysis, and has given courses in Structural Biology and Systems Biology at the University of Informatic Sciences, while also giving a post-grade course in Basic Bioinformatics.

Raphaela Machado Campos Lopes holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil, and is currently a FAPESP-funded PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry at the Institute of Chemistry, USP. In the Laboratory of Protein Structure and Function, led by Professor Shaker Chuck Farah, she studies R-bodies from Caedibacter taeniospiralis and a homologous protein from Xanthomonas citri. Her research aims to characterize the architecture and conformational changes of these protein assemblies using cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) and cryo-electron tomography (Cryo-ET). She also employs two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry to investigate R-body composition and complement structural information with insights into post-translational modifications, crosslinking patterns, stoichiometry, and protein interactions. A research stay in the laboratory of Professor José María Carazo at the National Center for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Spain, will provide an opportunity to further develop her expertise and contribute to her scientific training.

Demián Esteban Monti is a biochemist who earned his PhD from the University of Buenos Aires while conducting research at the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Argentina. His doctoral work focused on the structural and functional characterization of the Mal de Río Cuarto virus (MRCV) viroplasm protein P9-1, combining molecular biology, structural biology, and nanobody technologies to investigate viral replication mechanisms. He developed nanobody-based tools for viral detection and functional studies and contributed to structural studies of viral proteins using SAXS, X-ray crystallography, and cryo-electron microscopy. During a Fulbright-funded research stay at Baylor College of Medicine, he worked on the RNA remodelling activity of P9-1. His current research interests include protein–RNA interactions, biomolecular condensates, viral replication factories, and the application of structural biology approaches to understand virus-host interactions and develop viral strategies.

Sofía Orioli is a Ph.D. candidate in Biological Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires, specializing in glycobiology, yeast biotechnology, and congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs). She conducts her research in the Cell Glycobiology and Applied Yeast Genetics Laboratory at the Institute of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Translational Biology (iB3), Department of Physiology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires.

Her work uses yeast as a model system to investigate rare genetic diseases and as a platform for recombinant protein production, integrating molecular and cellular biology, glycan analysis, and protein engineering approaches.

She holds degrees in Biotechnology and Industrial Food Technology and has co-authored peer-reviewed publications in international scientific journals. She has presented her research at national and international conferences and has gained experience in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, she has participated in scientific training, teaching, and collaborative initiatives that promote research capacity and biotechnology development.

Karen Resendiz-Acevedo, PhD, is a Mexican researcher and lecturer at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). She earned her PhD in Chemical Sciences from UNAM, where her research focused on cancer metabolomics, bioinorganic chemistry, and the biological activity of metal-based compounds. Her work has involved the application of NMR spectroscopy, ICP-MS, and multivariate data analysis to investigate cellular responses to anticancer agents.

In addition to her research activities, she teaches chemistry at the upper secondary education level and actively participates in science outreach and student mentoring programs. Her scientific interests include cancer biology, metabolomics, structural biochemistry, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. She has presented her work at national and international scientific meetings and has contributed to peer-reviewed publications in the fields of chemistry and biomedical sciences.

Julio Emiliano Romani is a PhD candidate in Science and Technology at the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo and a doctoral fellow at IHEM-CONICET-UNCUyo, Argentina. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. His doctoral research investigates proteostasis and autophagy in mammalian oocytes, aiming to identify therapeutic targets to improve assisted reproductive technologies. Awarded the IUBMB-FEBS-PABMB PROBio-LatAm Fellowship, he will conduct a six-month research stay at the CECAD, University of Cologne, in Dr. Gabriele Zaffagnini’s laboratory. His project will focus on investigating how EndoLysosomal Vesicular Assemblies (ELVAs)—novel cellular super-organelles responsible for accumulating and degrading material—fail during postovulatory aging, leading to proteostasis collapse. This international collaboration will enhance his doctoral thesis, strengthen his expertise in advanced microscopy, and foster scientific networks between Latin America and Europe.

Nicolò Antonelli is a PhD candidate in Biochemistry at the University of Insubria, working in the Protein Factory 2.0 laboratory under the supervision of Prof. Loredano Pollegioni. His research focuses on enzyme biotechnology and biocatalysis, with particular interest in the valorization of plastic and textile waste and the development of sustainable biotechnological routes to high-value compounds. During his PhD, he investigated enzymatic strategies for the depolymerization and upgrading of PET textile waste, integrating biocatalytic and whole-cell approaches for circular bioeconomy applications.  

Eugenia Messina earned her Ph.D. in Functional and Applied Genomics and Proteomics from the Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment at the University of Bari. Her research focuses on the non-conventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica as a platform for sustainable biotechnology. She investigates the metabolism of alternative carbon sources derived from waste streams, including volatile fatty acids and monomers obtained from plastic depolymerization, with the aim of advancing circular bioeconomy strategies. Using synthetic biology approaches, she engineers both homologous and heterologous enzymes to optimize metabolic pathways and enable the biosynthesis of high-value industrial products. Her work integrates microbial physiology, metabolic engineering, and enzyme design to develop innovative bioprocesses that convert low-value waste materials into valuable biochemicals and biobased products.

Congratulations to the 3 trainees from Nigeria and South Africa who have received the IUBMB MilliporeSigma ENABLE-Africa Fellowships to attend the FEBS-IUBMB-ENABLE 2026 Conference on The Code of Life: Beyond the Genome to Multilayer Biology in Kraków, Poland. We wish them much success!

Adedotun Fikayo Adesina is a lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry at Redeemer’s University in Ede, Nigeria. He holds a PhD in Molecular Toxicology and currently researches how small therapeutic molecules protect against the deleterious effects of environmental toxicants on organs.

Adata Akie Jumbo is a Lecturer I in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology at the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria. She recently completed her PhD in Environmental Biochemistry, where her research focused on understanding how environmental exposures influence human health through interconnected biochemical and molecular processes. Her research interests lie in environmental toxicology, public health, biomonitoring, environmental health risk assessment, and molecular epidemiology. She is particularly interested in investigating the exposome and identifying biomarkers that illuminate the molecular and biochemical pathways through which environmental and occupational pollutants contribute to organ dysfunction and disease. Her work integrates exposure assessment with biomarker-based approaches to understand how environmental stressors shape biological responses and health outcomes.

Halimat Yusuf Lukman is a PhD candidate in the Computational and Systems Biology Research Group, led by Prof. Saheed Sabiu, in the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, at Durban University of Technology, South Africa. She is an early-career researcher whose work integrates computational drug discovery, phytomedicine, and experimental validation approaches to identify plant-derived therapeutics for metabolic diseases. Her research aims to advance evidence-based phytomedicine through system-level and multi-target strategies.