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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!
Call to Action for Peer Reviewers
Wiley and the IUBMB are looking for referees to review manuscripts for the journals. If you are interested in acting as a peer reviewer for any of the IUBMB titles, please get in touch with the relevant Editor directly to advise them of your interest, and they would be happy to consider you for future articles:
- To contact the Editorial Board and register your interest to act as a peer reviewer for IUBMB Life, please click here.
- To contact the Editorial Board and register your interest to act as a peer reviewer for BioFactors, please click here.
- To contact the Editorial Board and register your interest to act as a peer reviewer for Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry,
please click here.
- To contact the Editorial Board and register your interest to act as a peer reviewer for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, please click here.
To learn more about being a peer reviewer for a journal, Wiley publishes a number of resources online which you can find here.
IUBMB Life
New Issue: Volume 78, Issue 9
Issue Highlight (Full Access)
R. Nabi, T. Faruqui, M. S. Khan, et al., “N-Acetyl Cysteine Mitigates d-Ribose-Induced Protein Glycation and Aggregation Through Multiple Protective Mechanisms,” IUBMB Life 78, no. 9 (2026): e70126,” IUBMB Life 78, no. 9 (2026): e70126.
Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) arise from non-enzymatic reactions between reducing sugars and proteins, contributing to oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction. Excessive AGE accumulation is implicated in chronic diabetic complications and may also be relevant to acute metabolic disturbances encountered in emergency medicine. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a naturally occurring antioxidant found in Allium species, has demonstrated potential to attenuate oxidative and glycation-mediated damage. The effect of NAC on d-ribose-induced glycation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated using multiple physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques. These findings demonstrate that NAC effectively attenuates d-ribose-induced glycation and protein aggregation in vitro and provide mechanistic insights into its anti-glycation properties through multiple complementary biochemical mechanisms. Further studies are warranted to evaluate its biological relevance in more complex experimental models.
FOXO6 as a Transcriptional Regulator of Hepatic Metabolic Inflammation and Hepatocarcinogenesis
M. E. Kim, Y. Kim, and J. S. Lee, “FOXO6 as a Transcriptional Regulator of Hepatic Metabolic Inflammation and Hepatocarcinogenesis,” IUBMB Life 78, no. 9 (2026): e70129.
FOXO6 is a member of the FOXO transcription factor family that differs from FOXO1, FOXO3, and FOXO4 in its nucleocytoplasmic regulation, remaining predominantly within the nucleus because it lacks a functional nuclear export sequence. FOXO6 activity can nevertheless be inhibited by insulin/AKT signaling, whereas impaired insulin signaling increases its transcriptional activity in hepatocytes under insulin-resistant and nutrient-rich conditions. Recent studies indicate that FOXO6 regulates hepatic metabolic pathways associated with oxidative injury, inflammatory signaling, and lipid accumulation. Recent studies demonstrate relationships between increased FOXO6 expression, vascular invasion, aggressive tumor phenotypes, and reduced survival in hepatocellular carcinoma. This review examines FOXO6-associated transcriptional mechanisms involved in hepatic metabolic inflammation and hepatocarcinogenesis.
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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
- Cellular Signaling and Stress Responses of Lipid Metabolism and Lipotoxicity-related Disorders
- Deadline for Submissions: 31 August 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 5
Issue Highlights (Full Access)
M. Dong, W. Xu, J. Zhang, and G. Jia, “Multicohort Construction, Immune Landscape Analysis, and PCOLCE2 Functional Validation of an Inflammation-Related Prognostic Model in Colorectal Cancer,” BioFactors 52, no. 5 (2026): e70141.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) prognosis remains challenging due to tumor heterogeneity and immune evasion driven by aberrant inflammatory signaling, and robust multicohort validated prognostic tools with clear therapeutic implications are still lacking. To address this gap, we integrated five independent CRC cohorts and applied single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) across 15 inflammation-related signaling pathways to construct a prognostic risk score model via multicohort Cox regression and LASSO-Cox regression. Mechanistically, PCOLCE2 knockdown suppressed CRC cell migration and enhanced matrix adhesion in vitro. Critically, in vivo combination of PCOLCE2 knockdown with PD-1 blockade produced a synergistic antitumor effect superior to either monotherapy (p < 0.01), highlighting PCOLCE2 as a promising therapeutic target to enhance immunotherapy response. Together, these findings present a clinically actionable, multicohort validated inflammation-related prognostic model for CRC risk stratification, and position PCOLCE2 as a driver of invasion and immune evasion whose combination with PD-1 blockade offers a rational therapeutic strategy to improve immunotherapy efficacy in high-risk CRC patients.
C. He, C. Liu, H. Zhang, and M. Zhang, “Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals NF-κB-Associated Immune Regulatory Signatures Underlying the Regenerative Effects of Hypoxia-Preconditioned Tendon Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles,” BioFactors 52, no. 5 (2026): e70148.
Remodeling of the immune microenvironment is a critical determinant of tissue regeneration, yet the molecular programs associated with the enhanced therapeutic activity of hypoxia-preconditioned extracellular vesicles remain incompletely defined. In this study, we investigated the regenerative and immunomodulatory effects of hypoxia-preconditioned tendon stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (Hypo-EVs) and employed transcriptomic profiling to identify molecular signatures associated with their biological activity. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that hypoxic preconditioning enhances the immunomodulatory and regenerative functions of tendon stem cell-derived EVs. Transcriptomic analyses identified an NF-κB-associated immune-regulatory signature linked to the biological activity of Hypo-EVs, providing a molecular framework for understanding EV-mediated immune modulation and supporting the development of transcriptome-guided molecular signatures for regenerative therapies targeting tendon immune homeostasis.
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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 4
Issue Highlights (Full Access)
O. Akyıldırım, A. Aras, E. Oguz, et al. “Synthesis and in Silico Evaluation of Novel Triazolone-Derived Naphthalene-2-Sulfonates, Evaluation of Potential Antiproliferative Agents and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities.” Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry 73, no. 4 (2026): 1885–1898.
This study reports the synthesis and biological evaluation of four novel N-acetyl-derived heterocyclic compounds, namely 2-((1-acetyl-3-substituted-5-oxo-1,5-dihydro-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)iminomethyl)-phenyl-naphthalene-2-sulfonates. Among the studied derivatives, compound 2a exhibited the highest affinity toward α-glucosidase, 2d showed superior binding to α-amylase and AChE, while 2c demonstrated enhanced interaction with GST. Compound 2b displayed promising anticancer potential, forming stable complexes with proteins associated with the HepG2 and U87 cell lines.
S. Y. Arslan, F. Turhan, K. Solak, H. Karabulut, M. Sisecioglu, and Y. Unver, “A New Strategy of Alternating Current Magnetic Field-Assisted Three-Phase Partitioning (ACMF-TPP) for the Concentration and Partial Purification of Recombinant Prepromelittin Produced by Komagataella phaffii.” Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry 73, no. 4 (2026): 1728–1738.
The industrial-scale manufacturing and purification of melittin are of great interest due to its significant antibacterial and anticancer properties. Here, for the first time, prepromelittin (ppMEL), the precursor of melittin—a key component of bee venom—was extracellularly produced by Komagataella phaffii, and an alternating current magnetic field-assisted three-phase partitioning (ACMF-TPP) method was used to concentrate and partially purify the recombinant ppMEL (rppMEL). As a result, it was observed that rppMEL primarily precipitated at the interface and that the difference in recovery efficiency (32.5% for TPP and 66.1% for ACMF-TPP, respectively) was statistically significant. The ACMF-TPP approach exhibited more efficacy than the TPP, demonstrating superior potential for separating and purifying other biomolecules. Moreover, this approach offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for the precise isolation, purification, and concentration of mixture components.
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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
Announcing New Editorial Board Members!
Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry is delighted to announce the appointments of Alessandro Pellis (University of Genova, Italy), Gerard F. Fernando (University of Birmingham, UK), Michele Crotti (University College London, UK), Andres Alcantara (University of Madrid, Spain), Mirco Dindo (Università di Perugia, Italy), Rita del Giudice (GreenBioNourish AB / Malmö University, Sweden), and Elena Rosini (University of Insubria, Italy) as new Editorial Board members!
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education
New Issue: Volume 54, Issue 4
Issue Highlights (Open & Full Access)
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. 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.
A. Mutlu, “How Students Use ChatGPT in Biochemistry Education: Evaluating Students’ Prompts, Illustrations, and Reflective Assessments as Evidence,” Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education 54, no. 4 (2026): 386–396.
The present study aimed to investigate the utilization of ChatGPT by students in the context of learning biochemical concepts. To this end, 25 first-year students enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Techniques program were asked to illustrate a dipeptide composed of alanine and cysteine. Notably, all structural representations generated by ChatGPT were found to contain errors. Despite possessing the conceptual knowledge required to identify these inaccuracies, the students drew the flawed illustrations on their paper without critical assessment. In their reflective evaluations, students reported that ChatGPT’s failure to deliver a definitive molecular structure of dipeptide led to confusion. They expressed the need for a figure of authority to validate the accuracy of the peptide structure, identifying the instructor as the appropriate individual for this role. Furthermore, they conveyed a clear preference for instructor-led guidance over reliance on artificial intelligence in such learning contexts.
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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
- 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 112 (December 2026) 101505
Decoding ctDNA: biological insights for accurate clinical interpretation
🧬 ctDNA: beyond simply measuring tumor DNA in the blood
A new review by Garcia et al. in Molecular Aspects of Medicine explores an increasingly important question in liquid biopsy: what does a ctDNA measurement actually tell us about a patient’s cancer?
ctDNA has emerged as one of the most clinically advanced and promising biomarkers for minimally invasive monitoring of cancer. It gives information about tumor genetics, methylation, fragmentation patterns, treatment response, minimal residual disease (MRD), and tumor evolution.
But there is an important biological caveat: the amount of ctDNA detected in plasma reflects a balance between tumor DNA shedding and its clearance from the circulation.
Tumor burden, disease stage, metastatic site, vascularization, hypoxia, necrosis and intratumoral heterogeneity can all influence shedding. At the same time, nucleases, immune mechanisms, liver and kidney clearance, and other host factors influence the time ctDNA remains detectable.
This means that the same ctDNA concentration may have different biological meanings in different patients. Conversely, a negative ctDNA result does not necessarily mean that residual or progressive disease is absent, particularly in tumors with low shedding or anatomical barriers to DNA release.
The review also highlights how ctDNA is evolving from a single molecular readout into a multi-layered biomarker, incorporating mutations, DNA methylation and fragmentomic signatures: all complementary information about tumor biology and even tissue of origin.
Clinically, ctDNA has considerable potential for detecting molecular recurrence before radiological evidence, monitoring treatment response and identifying emerging resistant clones. At the same time, analytical and pre-analytical variability, false negatives, clonal hematopoiesis and differences between assay strategies remain important challenges.
Perhaps the most intriguing point is the emerging hypothesis that ctDNA might not always be a passive biomarker. Experimental studies suggest that circulating DNA could potentially interact with recipient cells and the immune system. However, this remains a promising but unresolved hypothesis, with most evidence currently coming from experimental models.
Therefore, the future of liquid biopsy may not simply be about detecting more ctDNA, but about understanding what each ctDNA result means in its biological and clinical context.
📄 Garcia M. et al. Decoding ctDNA: biological insights for accurate clinical interpretation. Molecular Aspects of Medicine (2026), 112:101505.
#LiquidBiopsy #ctDNA #CancerResearch #PrecisionOncology #Oncology #CancerBiology #CirculatingTumorDNA
*Stay in touch https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16907015/
Aspects of Molecular Medicine
Volume 8 (December 2026) 100114
Are pollen cysteine proteases allergenic?
Dare CI, Hajighasemi S, Davies JM.
Respiratory allergy affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, and pollen is among its most important environmental triggers. Yet the molecular mechanisms by which pollen initiates allergic sensitization remain incompletely understood.
In a recent review in Aspects of Molecular Medicine, Dare, Hajighasemi and Davies examine the possible role of cysteine proteases, enzymes present in several sources of airborne allergens. Cysteine proteases from house-dust mites are known to disrupt epithelial barriers and promote inflammatory responses. Similar enzymes are present in pollen, raising the possibility that they may contribute directly to pollen allergenicity.
Several pollen cysteine proteases have been identified, including proteins from ragweed and Bermuda grass. However, evidence that these enzymes function as major allergens remains limited, and their importance in different allergic populations requires further investigation.
The authors also emphasize that allergenicity cannot be considered independently of the environment. Climate and microorganisms associated with pollen may influence protease activity and the resulting interaction with airway epithelium.
This review illustrates how the biological activity of an allergen may extend beyond IgE recognition: enzymes carried by pollen may actively modify the epithelial environment in which allergic sensitization develops.
International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology