IUBMB Journal Highlights | August 2026

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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!

* Most Viewed & Most Cited in 2026.

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 7

IUBMB Life_vol 77_ issue 1

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.

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SPECIAL ISSUES OPEN FOR SUBMISSION

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.

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CALL FOR PAPERS

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.

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CALL FOR PAPERS

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

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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.

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CALL FOR PAPERS

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.

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Molecular Aspects of Medicine

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

Aspects of Molecular Medicine LOW RES for overprint placement

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.