IUBMB Journal Highlights | April 2025

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!

IUBMB Life
New Issue: Volume 77, Issue 7

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

Underlining the Molecular Mechanism of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Coronary Artery Disease in Lipid Metabolism by Combining Multiple Sets of Data Sets

W. Zheng, S. Wang, H. Wang, C. Xu, Q. Yin, and H. Di, “ Underlining the Molecular Mechanism of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Coronary Artery Disease in Lipid Metabolism by Combining Multiple Sets of Data Sets,” IUBMB Life 77, no. 7 (2025): e70040.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with coronary artery disease (CAD); however, their shared genetic traits and molecular mechanisms in lipid metabolism remain unclear. In this study, the authors identified that the differentially expressed genes in NAFLD and CAD intersected with lipid metabolism genes to obtain three key genes—GPD1, MVK, and PIK3R2. This study highlights GPD1, MVK, and PIK3R2 as key genes involved in NAFLD, CAD, and lipid metabolism, suggesting potential targets for further mechanistic studies and novel therapeutic approaches for patients with NAFLD and CAD.

A New Treatment Strategy for Lung Cancer With HDAC and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Inhibitors

E. Erturk, O. Akgun, Y. Yildiz, G. Tuna, and F. Ari, “ A New Treatment Strategy for Lung Cancer With HDAC and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Inhibitors,” IUBMB Life 77, no. 7 (2025): e70037.

Lung cancer has high morbidity and mortality rates, with limited treatment options contributing to low survival. Combining histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors with anti-cancer agents presents a promising therapeutic strategy. This study evaluated the effects of combining the HDAC inhibitor Valproic acid (VPA) with the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway inhibitor Niclosamide (Niclo) on cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell cycle, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in A549 and H1299 lung cancer cell lines.

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SPECIAL ISSUES OPEN FOR SUBMISSION

Special Issue on Computational Biology in Identification of Potential Biomarkers for Cancer Immunotherapy
- Deadline for Submissions: 31 July 2025

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 51, Issue 3 & 4

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

Long-Term Intake of Oleic Acid-Rich Palm Oil Induces Obesity Without Impairing Hypothalamic Insulin Sensitivity and Redox Activity in Male Wistar Rats

Ruzicic, A., Dakic, T., Srdic, T., Lakic, I., Stankovic, S., Mojovic, M., Nakarada, D., Kracun, D. and Djordjevic, J. (2025), Long-Term Intake of Oleic Acid-Rich Palm Oil Induces Obesity Without Impairing Hypothalamic Insulin Sensitivity and Redox Activity in Male Wistar Rats. BioFactors, 51: e70036.

The health impact of palm oil consumption remains debated due to its high saturated fat content, despite its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds. This study examined the effects of long-term palm oil consumption on hypothalamic insulin signaling, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Rats were fed either standard chow or a diet enriched with 20% palm oil (rich in oleic and palmitic acids) for 21 weeks. The palm oil diet led to obesity, altered blood lipid profiles, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglycemia—indicating peripheral insulin resistance. However, no significant changes were observed in hypothalamic insulin resistance, inflammation markers (NF-κB, IL-6, IL-1β), oxidative stress (via EPR spectroscopy), or expression of glucose transporters (GLUT1–4). Insulin signaling via IRS1 and receptor activation also remained unchanged. These findings suggest that prolonged intake of oleic acid-rich palm oil induces systemic metabolic disturbances without markedly affecting hypothalamic insulin response, potentially due to its specific fatty acid profile and bioactive compounds such as vitamin E.

Targeting Cellular Energetics via Ferroptosis Mediated Cell Death in Resistant Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells

T. Biswas, S. Mallick, U. Sen, D. Chaudhury, S. Shenoy P, and B. Bose, “Targeting Cellular Energetics via Ferroptosis Mediated Cell Death in Resistant Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells,” BioFactors 51, no. 4 (2025): e70024.

Ferroptosis, a newly discovered non-apoptotic form of cell death triggered by iron-dependent toxic membrane lipid peroxidation, establishes a link between redox biology, metabolism, and human health. By inducing ferroptosis, it is possible to selectively eliminate cancer cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are resistant to traditional therapies. Recent research has shown that inducing ferroptosis can effectively kill colorectal cancer stem cells (CRC CSCs) that are resistant to other forms of cell death and treatment modalities, positioning it as a potentially innovative strategy for developing treatments for colorectal cancer. This review delves into the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis in colorectal CSCs, focusing on the specific pathways and signaling networks that regulate ferroptotic cell death in these cells, including the roles of iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, amino acid metabolism, and antioxidant systems.

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CALL FOR PAPERS

Unlocking the Secrets of Lipocalins: Navigating Their Role in Cell Communication and Signalling
- Submission deadline: Thursday, 31 July 2025
The Role of Fermented Foods in Nutrition and Health
- Submission deadline: Thursday, 31 July 2025
The Role of Human Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease
- Submission deadline: Tuesday, 30 June 2026

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.

Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry
New Issue: Volume 72, Issue 3

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

Investigation of antibacterial and anticancer activities of biosynthesized metal-doped and undoped zinc oxide nanoparticles

Şendal K, Üstün Özgür M, Ortadoğulu Sucu E, Findik MB, Erdoğan Ö, Oryaşin E, et al. Investigation of antibacterial and anticancer activities of biosynthesized metal-doped and undoped zinc oxide nanoparticles. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2025; 72: 586–609.

Over the past decade, nanotechnology has shown great promise for biomedical applications. Green- synthesized metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs), such as ZnO, are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and easily scalable. Doping ZnO with metal ions is a simple method to enhance its optical, electrical, and structural properties. In this study, zinc oxide NPs (ZnONPs) and metal-doped ZnONPs (with Mg²⁺ and Ag⁺) were biosynthesized using aqueous and water-alcoholic extracts of Cynara scolymus, Carthamus tinctorius, and Rheum ribes (RrL), rich in phytochemicals that act as natural reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents. Characterization was performed using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, DLS, and SEM. ZnONPs showed absorption peaks between 365–383 nm, with SEM revealing mostly spherical shapes and FTIR confirming Zn–O bonds (407–562 cm⁻¹) and the presence of phenols and flavonoids. DLS showed particle sizes ranging from 120–786 nm. Antibacterial testing via agar well diffusion showed that only Ag-ZnONPs had strong, dose-dependent effects (>100 µg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In anticancer studies, RrL-ZnONPs calcined at 600°C and 800°C were cytotoxic to HeLa cells at low doses while sparing healthy L929 fibroblasts at high doses, indicating selective anticancer potential. These findings underscore the value of green synthesis for developing metal-doped ZnONPs with therapeutic applications.

Organ toxicities associated with diet-induced obesity in rats: Investigation of changes in activities selected enzymes

Bati B. Organ toxicities associated with diet-induced obesity in rats: Investigation of changes in activities selected enzymes. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2025; 72: 743–754.

Obesity stands out as one of the most significant health problems in the modern world. The prevalence of high-calorie diets (HCDs) globally exacerbates this condition. Throughout history, plants and plant- derived food products have been utilized for medicinal purposes, demonstrating their efficacy in the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Gundelia tournefortii (GT), a plant of interest, is known to possess beneficial properties. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the immunotoxic and neurotoxic effects of two different doses of GT plant extract on the liver, brain, and heart tissues of obese rats. For this purpose, Wistar male rats were divided into four groups: “CG,” “HCDG,” “HCDGUN1,” and

“HCDGUN2” At the conclusion of the study, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) biomarkers, were evaluated in the liver, heart, and brain tissues. The study results revealed a statistically significant increase in ADA and MPO activities in the HCDG group compared to the CG group, alongside a significant decrease in the HCDGUN groups compared to the HCDG group. Regarding AChE and BChE activities, a statistically significant decrease was observed in the HCDG group compared to the CG group, whereas an increase was noted in the HCDGUN groups relative to the HCDG group, with the latter approaching values similar to those of the control group. In conclusion, the intake of GT plant extract exhibited positive effects on the immunotoxic and neurotoxic effects induced by HCD in rats with an experimental obesity model, as evidenced by tissue biomarker evaluations.

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Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry welcome new Editor-in-Chief!

Loredano Pollegioni is a full professor of Biochemistry at the University of Insubria (Varese, Italy), where he also serves as Executive Deputy Chancellor for Research and Innovation. He is the Coordinator of the Biotechnology group of the Italian Society of Biochemistry (SIB) and Treasurer of IUBMB.

He studied Biology at the University of Milano and conducted research in the labs of Sandro Ghisla (Universität Konstanz, Germany) and Vincent Massey (University of Michigan, USA). He has presented at over 100 international conferences and organized or co-organized 40 events on protein biochemistry, enzymology, and biotechnology.

His research focuses on enzyme structure–function relationships, protein engineering, and proteins involved in human diseases. He has a particular interest in D-amino acids, from antibiotic biosynthesis to the modulation of D-serine and D-aspartate in the brain. Professor Pollegioni has authored over 240 peer-reviewed publications and holds several patents in biochemistry and biotechnology.

You can find more information online here: About the Editor

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education
New Issue: Volume 53, Issue 4

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

Developing tools for learning immunology using diffusion-based salt precipitation assays: A low-cost alternative for college laboratories

Pal A, Sen S. Developing tools for learning immunology using diffusion-based salt precipitation assays: A low-cost alternative for college laboratories. Biochem Mol Biol Educ. 2025; 53(4): 336–343.

The Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion technique is used as a teaching tool for studying immune responses and exemplifying differences in antigen–antibody reactions. Although commonplace in undergraduate labs, standardized commercial kits limit learning experiences because they have fixed modalities of use, a low shelf-life, and impose budgetary constraints in the long-term, collectively posing an economic challenge. To mitigate these problems, this study attempts to simulate various types of ‘antigen–antibody’ reactions using combinations of Mg, Mn, Cu and Ag salts that form a precipitate with BaSO4. Using an optimized format of thin agar plates, different salts precipitation reactions were monitored over a time course of “immunodiffusion”. These reactions were demonstrably versatile towards simulating (i) quantitation of differential titer among antibodies, (ii) determining serological- identity versus non-identity, (iii) quantitative demonstration of the prozone phenomenon, and finally; (iv) using double precipitin reactions to simulate combinations of antibodies in the same sample. As part of a laboratory exercise, these parameters were used to design an open-ended query aimed to check the effectiveness of student engagement and learning outcomes. Undergraduate students were able to conduct the experiment in a shorter time frame, and interpreted their observations in a multidimensional manner. This allowed teachers to add to the discussion leading to an efficient model of collaborative learning. The salt-precipitation format of “immunodiffusion” is thus not only economical and quick, but allows for flexibility to simulate problems that are of immediate relevance.

Teaching second-year biochemistry students the principles of an enzyme-catalyzed spectrophotometric assay with an online lab simulator

Clemson M, Huang A, Denyer G, Costabile M. Teaching second-year biochemistry students the principles of an enzyme-catalyzed spectrophotometric assay with an online lab simulator. Biochem Mol Biol Educ. 2025; 53(4): 370–380.

Teaching laboratory skills is essential in experimental sciences, but students often face time constraints, limited access to equipment, and few opportunities to repeat experiments. These challenges can hinder both conceptual understanding and hands-on proficiency. To address this, we developed an online data simulator replicating the laboratory quantification of ethanol in simulated blood samples. This tool allowed students to practice repeatedly and independently, closely mimicking a traditional lab environment. Implemented at two Australian universities using a mixed-methods approach, the simulator was shown to enhance students’ understanding of biochemistry lab concepts. Our findings support the use of virtual simulations as an effective supplement—or alternative—to traditional lab classes, overcoming common logistical limitations.

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.