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!
• Disease causing gene mutations
• Human Genetic Disorders
• Therapeutic strategies targeting disease-associated mutations
IUBMB Life
New Issue: Volume 76, Issue 7
Issue Highlights
Matrix-based molecular mechanisms, targeting and diagnostics in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Mastronikolis NS, Kyrodimos E, Piperigkou Z, Spyropoulou D, Delides A, Giotakis E, et al. IUBMB Life. 2024; 76(7): 368–382.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a type of head and neck cancer (HNC), is known for its high mortality rate and potential for regional and distant metastasis. Recent advancements in research have enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving OSCC metastasis. The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in this process, influencing cellular morphology, function, transcription, and signaling mechanisms involved in invasion and metastasis. This review critically examines recent research on the involvement of ECM components, such as proteoglycans, integrins, and matrix metalloproteinases, in the development and progression of OSCC.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a fundamental model for research on mitochondrial gene expression: Progress, achievements and outlooks
Dinh N, Bonnefoy N. IUBMB Life. 2024; 76(7): 397-419.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast) is an attractive model for mitochondrial research. The organism resembles human cells in terms of mitochondrial inheritance, mitochondrial transport, sugar metabolism, mitogenome structure and dependence of viability on the mitogenome (the petite-negative phenotype). Here, the authors review the current state of knowledge regarding S. pombe mitochondrial gene expression, and emphasise the pertinence of fission yeast as both a model and tool, especially for studies on mitochondrial translation.
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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 adaragshet@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 50, Issue 3
Issue Highlights (Open Access)
A glimpse into the structural properties of α-synuclein oligomers
Santos J, Pallarès I, Ventura S. BioFactors. 2024; 50(3): 439-449.
α-Synuclein (αS) aggregation is the main neurological hallmark of a group of debilitating neurodegenerative disorders, collectively referred to as synucleinopathies, of which Parkinson’s disease is the most prevalent. αS oligomers formed during the initial stages of aggregation are considered key pathogenic drivers of disease onset and progression, standing as privileged targets for therapeutic intervention and diagnosis. In this review, the authors delve into the recent advances in the structural and mechanistic characterization of αS oligomers, and discuss how these advances are transforming our understanding of these elusive species and paving the way for oligomer-targeting therapeutics and diagnosis.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs): A promising therapeutic tool in the heart tissue regeneration
Diomede F, Guarnieri S, Lanuti P, Konstantinidou F, Gatta V, Rajan TS, et al. BioFactors. 2024; 50(3): 509–522.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising for treating heart and vascular diseases, with the potential to differentiate into cardiomyocytes. This study focuses on using extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) as a safer and cost-effective alternative to MSCs. The EVs were found to influence cardiomyogenic differentiation by up-regulating key genes like GATA4, ACTC1, CX43, and Nkx2.5. A significant down-regulation of microRNA hsa-miR-200c-3p, which targets GATA4, suggests an epigenetic mechanism at play. The research aims to establish an in vitro model of hDPSCs differentiating into cardiomyocytes, highlighting the potential of EVs from hDPSCs and the HL-1 cell line in this process.
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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 adaragshet@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.
Congratulations to the winners!
We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Wiley-BioFactors Young Investigator Award!
Congratulation to award winner Patricia Recio-López for the article Treatment of the metabolic syndrome by siRNA targeting apolipoprotein CIII on the efficiency of i.v. administration in silico designed siRNAs to selectively and specifically silence mouse liver derived apoCIII with a higher potency and longer duration than previously tested ASO.
Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry
New Issue: Volume 71, Issue 3
Issue Highlights
Innovations in dengue virus detection: An overview of conventional and electrochemical biosensor approaches
Raza S, Poria R, Kala D, Sharma N, Sharma AK, Florien N, et al. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2024; 71: 481-500.
Globally, people are in great threat due to the highly spreading of viral infectious diseases. Every year like 100–300 million cases of infections are found, and among them, above 80% are not recognized and irrelevant. Dengue virus (DENV) is an arbovirus infection that currently infects people most frequently. DENV encompasses four viral serotypes, and they each express comparable sign. From a mild febrile sickness to a potentially fatal dengue hemorrhagic fever, dengue can induce a variety of symptoms.
Presently, the globe is being challenged by the untimely identification of dengue infection. Therefore, this review summarizes advances in the detection of dengue from conventional methods (nucleic acid-based, polymerase chain reaction-based, and serological approaches) to novel biosensors. This work illustrates an extensive study of the current designs and fabrication approaches involved in the formation of electrochemical biosensors for untimely identifications of dengue.
Study of selenium enrichment metabolomics in Bacillus subtilis BSN313 via transcriptome analysis
Ullah A, Yin X, Naveed M, Aslam S, Chan MWH, Bo S, et al. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2024; 71: 609–626.
In this study, the transcriptome analysis was practiced to identify potential genes of probiotic Bacillus subtilis BSN313 involved in selenium (Se) enrichment metabolism, and it was concluded that SeMet was the highest content of organic Se byproduct biosynthesized by B. subtilis BSN313 strain in Se-enriched medium during stationary phase. Thus, B. subtilis BSN313 can be considered a commercial probiotic strain that can be used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This is because it can meet the commercial demand for Se-AAs (SeMet) in both industries
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CALL FOR PAPERS
Leveraging Genomics Data in Blockchain for Medical Research Ethics
The Special Issue aims to create a dialogue on leveraging genomics data in blockchain for medical research ethics. Also, we plan to attract researchers with a diverse range of studies that explore theoretical frameworks, technological innovations, policy analyses, and case studies demonstrating practical applications and challenges.
Topics for this call for papers include but are not restricted to:
- Ethical frameworks for genomic data ownership and sharing on blockchain platforms;
- Technological advancements in secure and scalable blockchain systems for genomic data;
- Interoperability challenges and solutions in integrating genomics with different blockchain architectures;
- Regulatory landscape and policy recommendations for blockchain in genomics;
- Economic models for incentivizing the sharing of genomic data on blockchain platforms;
- Impact assessments of blockchain on the speed and efficacy of medical research;
- Legal implications of decentralized genomic data management;
- Ethical considerations in the use of smart contracts for genomic data consent management;
- Comparative analyses of global initiatives employing blockchain for genomics;
- Challenges and strategies for educating stakeholders about the benefits and risks of blockchain in genomics;
- Future prospects of integrating artificial intelligence with blockchain and genomics for advanced medical research;
- Privacy-preserving techniques for genomic data on blockchain: challenges and future directions;
- Case studies of blockchain applications in enhancing privacy and consent in genomics research.
Deadline for Submissions: 1 December 2024
Guest Editors: Dr Muzammil Hussain (Lead), Pakistan; Dr Muhammad Adnan Khan, Gachon University, The Republic of Korea; Dr Kiran Adnan, Malaysia
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Searching for a New Editor-in-Chief for Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry
The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) seeks a new Editor-in-Chief for Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry. Published since 1979, Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry is dedicated to the rapid publication of discoveries in the life sciences that impact and advance biotechnology. The Editor will consider papers for publication based on their potential impact on the field, and their compatibility with journal scope. The journal seeks contributions to the fields of synthetic biology, systems biology, metabolic engineering, bioengineering, biomaterials, biosensing, and nano-biotechnology, and how they can be applied to medical and industrial biotechnology.
The successful candidate will be recognized as a leading member of the biochemistry and molecular biology community. They will have an outstanding publication record; an extensive, global network; an appreciation for the diverse fields within the journal’s scope; and will represent the diversity within the IUBMB global community.
The successful candidate will have an outstanding opportunity to further develop the journal over a maximum three 3-year terms in the role commencing July 1, 2025. They must demonstrate a clear vision for its future growth and position in the publishing landscape. The appointee will bring extensive experience in peer review and/or editorial roles, high ethical professional standards, innovation, enthusiasm, strong leadership, and organizational and communication skills to the journal.
The main functions within this role are: strategic and practical development of the journal, defining a vision for the content; defining content and commissioning papers for regular and special issues; maintaining editorial standards; providing strong and inspiring leadership to the journal’s editorial board; appointing new board members to grow the journal; promoting the journal; managing the publication, and working closely with IUBMB and the publisher (Wiley). This important leadership role will require a significant time commitment on a weekly basis and will be recompensed accordingly. Associate Editors are appointed to limited terms by the Editors-in-Chief to handle some functions, subject to approval by the IUBMB Executive Committee. The Editor-in-Chief of Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry will receive an annual honorarium and is supported by professional editorial office assistance.
Applications should include the following
- A full CV, including details of peer review and/or editorial roles and the applicant’s publication record
- A brief statement describing your vision for Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry
- A cover letter outlining your suitability for the Editor-in-Chief role
- Two reference Letters
Please send any queries relating to this appointment and applications, in confidence, to: Prof. James Murphy (jamesm@wehi.edu.au), Chair of the IUBMB Publications Committee. Application deadline October 31, 2024.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education
New Issue: Volume 52, Issue 4
Issue Highlights (Open Access)
Detection and enzymatic characterization of human saliva amylase
Vey CT, Kaygusuz V, Kayser JS, Beyer A. Biochem Mol Biol Educ. 2024; 52(4): 379–385.
As a rule, an experiment carried out at school or in undergraduate study courses is rather simple and not very informative. However, when the experiments are to be performed using modern methods, they are often abstract and difficult to understand. Here, the authors describe a quick and simple experiment, namely the enzymatic characterization of ptyalin (human salivary amylase) using a starch degradation assay. With the experimental setup presented here, enzyme parameters, such as pH optimum, temperature optimum, chloride dependence, and sensitivity to certain chemicals can be easily determined. This experiment can serve as a good model for enzyme characterization in general, as modern methods usually follow the same principle: determination of the activity of the enzyme under different conditions. As different alleles occur in humans, a random selection of test subjects will be quite different with regard to ptyalin activities. Therefore, when the students measure their own ptyalin activity, significant differences will emerge, and this will give them an idea of the genetic diversity in human populations. The evaluation has shown that the pupils have gained a solid understanding of the topic through this experiment.
Khan-Trottier A. Biochem Mol Biol Educ. 2024; 52(4): 462-473.
α-Synuclein (αS) aggregation is the main neurological hallmark of a group of debilitating neurodegenerative disorders, collectively referred to as synucleinopathies, of which Parkinson’s disease is the most prevalent. αS oligomers formed during the initial stages of aggregation are considered key pathogenic drivers of disease onset and progression, standing as privileged targets for therapeutic intervention and diagnosis. In this review, the authors delve into the recent advances in the structural and mechanistic characterization of αS oligomers, and discuss how these advances are transforming our understanding of these elusive species and paving the way for oligomer-targeting therapeutics and diagnosis.
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, Norway, Hungary, Finland, Sweden, and with the US-based OhioLink And VIVA. A comprehensive list of our funder agreements can be found here.
Submit your research to the IUBMB Journals today.
Molecular Aspects of Medicine
Volume 99 (October 2024) 101303
Diabetes and male fertility disorders
Andrea Graziani, Raffaele Scafa, Giuseppe Grande, Alberto Ferlin
Volume 99 (October 2024) 101293
Molecular mechanisms of cancer cachexia. Role of exercise training
Eva Tamayo-Torres, Amanda Garrido, Rafael de Cabo, Julián Carretero, María Carmen Gómez-Cabrera
Aspects of Molecular Medicine
Volume 4 (December 2024) 100048
Plants as a source of dietary bioactives: Flavonoids and basis for their health benefits
Andrea Galatro , Agustin Lucini Mas, Melisa Luquet, Cesar G. Fraga, Monica Galleano
Volume 3 (June 2024) 100033
Human serum albumin binds spike protein and protects cells from SARS-CoV-2 infection by modulating the RAS pathway
Romualdo Varricchio , Giovanna De Simone Gian Marco Vita, Walter Nocera Cariola, Maurizio Viscardi, Sergio Brandi, Gerardo Picazio, Verena Zerbato, Raffaella Koncan, Ludovica Segat, Stefano Di Bella, Giovanna Fusco, Paolo Ascenzi, Alessandra di Masi
