IUBMB Journal Highlights | August 2024

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 8

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

Mitochondrial respiratory supercomplexes of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Eldeeb MH, Camacho Lopez LJ, Fontanesi F. IUBMB Life. 2024; 76(8): 485-504.

The functional and structural interplay among components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain is crucial to understanding aerobic catabolism. For over 50 years, it has been debated how individual respiratory enzymes form higher-order structures called respiratory supercomplexes, an evolutionarily conserved feature of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. This review explores the evidence on the functional roles of yeast respiratory supercomplexes, models of complex III and IV assembly, and the possible cross talk between their biogenetic processes.

Evolution and variation in amide aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis

Lewis AM, Fallon T, Dittemore GA, Sheppard K. IUBMB Life. 2024; 76(8): 505-522.

The amide proteogenic amino acids, asparagine and glutamine, are two of the twenty amino acids used in translation by all known life. The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases for asparagine and glutamine, asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase and glutaminyl tRNA synthetase, evolved after the split in the last universal common ancestor of modern organisms. Before that split, life used two-step indirect pathways to synthesize asparagine and glutamine on their cognate tRNAs to form the aminoacyl-tRNA used in translation. These two-step pathways were retained throughout much of the bacterial and archaeal domains of life and eukaryotic organelles. The indirect routes use non-discriminating aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (non-discriminating aspartyl-tRNA synthetase and non-discriminating glutamyl-tRNA synthetase) to misaminoacylate the tRNA. The misaminoacylated tRNA formed is then transamidated into the amide aminoacyl-tRNA used in protein synthesis by tRNA-dependent amidotransferases (GatCAB and GatDE). The enzymes and tRNAs involved assemble into complexes known as transamidosomes to help maintain translational fidelity. These pathways have evolved to meet the varied cellular needs across a diverse set of organisms, leading to significant variation. In certain bacteria, the indirect pathways may provide a means to adapt to cellular stress by reducing the fidelity of protein synthesis. The retention of these indirect pathways versus acquisition of asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase and glutaminyl tRNA synthetase in lineages likely involves a complex interplay of the competing uses of glutamine and asparagine beyond translation, energetic costs, co-evolution between enzymes and tRNA, and involvement in stress response that await further investigation.

Nano-therapeutics: The upcoming nanomedicine to treat cancer

Khan H, Shahab U, Alshammari A, Alyahyawi AR, Akasha R, Alharazi T, et al. IUBMB Life. 2024; 76(8): 468-484.

Nanotechnology is considered a successful approach for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Preferentially, cancer cell recognition and drug targeting via nano-delivery system include the penetration of anticancer agents into the cell membrane to damage the cancer cell by protein modification, DNA oxidation, or mitochondrial dysfunction. The past research on nano-delivery systems and their target has proven the beneficial achievement in a malignant tumor. This review focuses on using a nano-delivery system, an imaging system, and encapsulated nanoparticles for cancer therapy.

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SPECIAL ISSUES OPEN FOR SUBMISSION

Special Issue on Environmental Management and Biomedical Research
- Deadline for Submissions: 20 September 2024
Special Issue on from DNA to protein: molecular mechanisms and tailored approaches to correct genetic defects associated with human disorders
- Deadline for Submissions: 31 October 2024
Special Issue on Viruses and Cell Metabolism
- Deadline for Submissions: 30 November 2024
Special Issue on Tumor Microenvironment: Explorations and Interventions
- Deadline for Submissions: 10 December 2024
Special Issue on Discovering Novel Druggable Targets Using Integrated Omics Approaches
- Deadline for Submissions: 30 March 2025
Special Issue on Advancing Translation of Cell-Based Therapeutics in Human Disease: Integrating Specific Modes of Action and Emerging Engineering Approaches
- Deadline for Submissions: 31 March 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 50, Issue 4

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and epigenetic potential of curcumin in Alzheimer’s disease

Abdul-Rahman T, Awuah WA, Mikhailova T, Kalmanovich J, Mehta A, Ng JC, et al. BioFactors. 2024; 50(4): 693-708.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) constitutes a multifactorial neurodegenerative pathology characterized by cognitive deterioration, personality alterations, and behavioral shifts. The ongoing brain impairment process poses significant challenges for therapeutic interventions due to activating multiple neurotoxic pathways. Current pharmacological interventions have shown limited efficacy and are associated with significant side effects. Approaches focusing on the early interference with disease pathways, before activation of broad neurotoxic processes, could be promising to slow down symptomatic progression of the disease. Curcumin—an integral component of traditional medicine in numerous cultures worldwide— has garnered interest as a promising AD treatment. This article aims to raise awareness of the neuroprotective properties of curcuminoids that could provide therapeutic benefits in AD. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the neuroprotective efficacy of curcumin against signaling pathways that could be involved in AD and summarizes recent evidence of the biological efficiency of curcumins in vivo.

Sulforaphane prevents diabetes-induced hepatic ferroptosis by activating Nrf2 signaling axis

Savic N, Markelic M, Stancic A, Velickovic K, Grigorov I, Vucetic M, et al. BioFactors. 2024; 50(4): 810–827.

Recently, the authors have characterized the ferroptotic phenotype in the liver of diabetic mice and revealed nuclear factor (erythroid-derived-2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inactivation as an integral part of hepatic injury. Here, the authors aim to investigate whether sulforaphane, an Nrf2 activator and antioxidant, prevents diabetes-induced hepatic ferroptosis and the mechanisms involved.

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CALL FOR PAPERS

Uncovering biomarkers in the tumor-immune microenvironment and analyzing their potential regulatory mechanisms

Topics for this call for papers include but are not restricted to:

Identification and validation of biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment personalization
Novel biomarkers of immunotherapy response or resistance
Advances in technologies for profiling tumor-immune interactions
The application of genomics and other omics technologies in understanding the heterogeneity of solid tumors
Therapeutic strategies targeting the immune system in cancer

Submission deadline: Sunday, 30 March 2025

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 71, Issue 4

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

Accumulation and toxicity of biologically produced gold nanoparticles in different types of specialized mammalian cells

Pourali P, Svoboda M, Neuhöferová E, Dzmitruk V, Benson V. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2024; 71: 766-778.

In summary, the authors proved the biologically produced AuNPs entered all the tested cell types and triggered cell-specific responses. High AuNP uptake by tumor cells was related to decreased cell viability, while low nanoparticle uptake by fibroblasts triggered F-actin reorganization without remarkable toxicity. Thus, the biologically produced AuNPs hold promising potential as cancer drug carriers and likely require proper surface functionalization to shield phagocytizing cells.

The effects of hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1) in ameliorating spinal cord injury mediated by Nrf2

Yang H, Hu B, Wang X, Chen W, Zhou H. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2024; 71: 929–939.

Excessive inflammatory response and oxidative stress (OS) play an important role in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury (SCI). Balance of inflammation and prevention of OS have been considered an effective strategy for the treatment of SCI. Hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1), also known as cartilage link protein, has displayed a wide range of biological and physiological functions in different types of tissues and cells. However, whether HAPLN1 regulates inflammation and OS during SCI is unknown. Therefore, the authors aimed to examine whether HAPLN1 can have a protective effect on SCI. In this study, both in vitro and in vivo SCI models were established.

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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)

Exploring in the classroom the relationship between alcohol intake and behavioral disorders through an animal model

Hernández-García S, Guerrero-Rubio MA, Henarejos-Escudero P, Martínez-Rodríguez P, Gandía- Herrero F. Biochem Mol Biol Educ. 2024; 52(4): 474–479.

Alcohol consumption has profound effects on behavior, such as impaired judgment, addiction or even death. It is estimated that alcohol contributes to around three million deaths worldwide, 13.5% of them in young people with ages between 20 and 39 years. Consequently, it is necessary to raise awareness among college and high school students of the risk related to alcohol drinking. The small nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an animal widely used as a model organism to study nearly all aspects of Biochemistry. It is a powerful tool to test the potential bioactivity and molecular mechanisms of natural compounds and drugs in vivo. Therefore, it is an interesting topic to include in an undergraduate course of Biotechnology, Biochemistry or Biology students among other scientific vocations.

If you are learner-centered and you know it, raise your hand: Perspectives on and implementation of pedagogical changes by science instructors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Donham C, Hong H, Signorini A, Menke E, Kranzfelder P. Biochem Mol Biol Educ. 2024; 52(4): 386-402.

Students at Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) faced significant hardships while trying to learn through emergency remote teaching (ERT) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research aims to investigate if science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instructors thought about and enacted more learner-centered teaching practices to alleviate some of this stress encountered by their students. Using semi-structured interviews and classroom observations, the authors utilized inductive and deductive qualitative research methods to examine two questions: (1) To what extent were STEM instructor’s perceived pedagogical changes learner-centered during ERT?; and (2) To what extent were STEM instructor’s teaching behaviors and discourse practices learner-centered during ERT?

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.