IUBMB Journal Highlights | November 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!

IUBMB Life
New Issue: Volume 76, Issue 11

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

Neuroprotection and mechanisms of ginsenosides in nervous system diseases: Progress and perspectives

Zhou L, Tan F, Zhang X, Li Y, Yin W. Neuroprotection and mechanisms of ginsenosides in nervous system diseases: Progress and perspectives. IUBMB Life. 2024; 76(11): 862–882.

Ginsenosides, key compounds in ginseng, exhibit significant neuroprotective effects against neurological diseases. Recent studies highlight their potential in treating acute and chronic neurodegenerative conditions, including stroke, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease, through mechanisms such as anti- inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic pathways. This review summarizes their therapeutic applications and the role of pathways like PI3K/Akt and TLR4/NF-κB. It aims to provide foundational knowledge for advancing research into ginsenosides’ medicinal value. Future clinical trials are needed to confirm their clinical potential for patient care.

Pore-forming aegerolysin and MACPF proteins in extremotolerant or extremophilic fungi

Kraševec N. Pore-forming aegerolysin and MACPF proteins in extremotolerant or extremophilic fungi. IUBMB Life. 2024; 76(11): 922–936.

Aegerolysin proteins are involved in various interactions by recognising a molecular receptor in the target organism. The formation of pores in combination with larger, non-aegerolysin-like protein partners is one of the possible responses in the presumed competitive exclusion of other organisms from the ecological niche. Fungi growing under extreme conditions can be divided into ubiquitous and extremotolerant generalists which can compete with mesophilic species and rare, isolated extremophilic and extremotolerant specialists with narrow ecological amplitude that cannot compete. Under extreme conditions, there are fewer competitors, so fungal specialists generally produce less diverse and complicated profiles of specialised molecules. Since extremotolerant and extremophilic fungi have evolved in numerous branches of the fungal tree of life and aegerolysins are unevenly distributed across fungal genomes, the author investigated whether aegerolysins, together with their partner proteins, contribute to the extreme survival ecology of generalists and specialists.

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SPECIAL ISSUES OPEN FOR SUBMISSION

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
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 50, Issue 5

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

Vitamin D metabolism is altered during aging alone or combined with obesity in male mice

Bournot L, Payet T, Marcotorchino J, Awada M, Rouquet T, Breniere T, et al. BioFactors. 2024; 50(5): 957–966.

Aging and obesity are associated with a decrease in plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels. In the context of a growing aging population and the rising incidence of obesity, the authors hypothesized that aging process, either independently or in combination with obesity, could influence vitamin D (VD) metabolism, consequently resulting in the reduced 25(OH)D plasma concentrations. The findings of the authors support the notion that aging alone or combined with obesity, induces regulation of VD metabolism in the organs, beyond the classical reduction of epidermal VD precursor, which may contribute to the decrease in 25(OH)D levels.

Cholesterol transport and beyond: Illuminating the versatile functions of HDL apolipoproteins through structural insights and functional implications

Bhale AS, Meilhac O, d’Hellencourt CL, Vijayalakshmi MA, Venkataraman K. BioFactors. 2024; 50(4): 50(5): 922–956.

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) play a vital role in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health, as they are intricately involved in cholesterol transport and inflammation modulation. The proteome of HDL particles is indeed complex and distinct from other components in the bloodstream. Proteomics studies have identified nearly 285 different proteins associated with HDL; however, this review focuses more on the 15 or so traditionally named “apo” lipoproteins. Understanding the nature of all 15 apolipoproteins expands our knowledge of HDL metabolism, sheds light on their pathological implications, and paves the way for advancements in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of lipid and inflammatory-related disorders.

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CALL FOR PAPERS

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

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.

Welcome to a new Editorial Board Member!
Dr. Camilla Morresi – Polytecnic University of Marche, Italy

Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry
New Issue: Volume 71, Issue 4

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

Naphthoquinones and anthraquinones: Exploring their impact on acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity

Duran HE, Beydemir Ş. Naphthoquinones and anthraquinones: Exploring their impact on acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2024; 71: 1079–1093.

The identification of novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitors holds significant relevance in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the prevailing form of dementia. The exploration of alternative inhibitors to the conventional acetylcholinesterase inhibitors is steadily gaining prominence. Quinones, categorized as plant metabolites, represent a specific class of compounds. In this study, the inhibitory effects of various naphthoquinone derivatives, along with anthraquinone and its derivatives, on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme were investigated for this purpose. The findings will add to the body of knowledge on the creation of fresh, potent, and successful treatment approaches.

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 2025

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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Emerging Techniques and Technologies in Healthcare

The purpose of the special issue is to decipher the importance of ground-breaking techniques incorporated in cellular and molecular biology and embrace AI augmented healthcare delivery system. The convergence of these scientific innovations would help translational research reach new heights in the future generation.

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

Importance of Emerging Techniques and Technologies in Health Research
Genetics and Genomics in Healthcare Research
Application of Proteomics in Healthcare Research
Technological Advancements in Cell Biology for Health Research
Artificial Intelligence in Transforming Medicinal Practice
Machine Learning and Deep Learning in Healthcare
Molecular techniques in Disease Detection
Biochemical parameters for disease detection
Infectious Disease and Mitigation
Stem Cell Therapeutics
Ethical Concerns in Artificial Intelligence Mediated Healthcare Delivery

Deadline for Submissions: 15 May 2025

Guest Editors: Dr. Debasmita Bhattacharya, Institute of Engineering and Management, India; Dr. Dibyajit Lahiri, University of Engineering & Mangement, Kolkata, India; Assoc. Prof. Edinur Hisham Atan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia; Prof. Mojgan Rezvani, Durham College, Canada.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education
New Issue: Volume 52, Issue 5

Issue Highlights (Open Access)

High-impact practices in cancer education and research: Undergraduate students’ perceptions of skills and career development

Al Hakani MA, Grimmett EA, Laios E, Frank J, Srikantha S, Wilson K, et al. High-impact practices in cancer education and research: Undergraduate students’ perceptions of skills and career development.Biochem Mol Biol Educ. 2024; 52(5): 527–539.

Enzyme kinetics and inhibition studies are crucial in biochemistry education and research. Conventional methods often require expensive equipment and reagents, potentially limiting their accessibility in limited resource settings. Our approach sought to develop a cost-effective experimental design for studying enzyme kinetics and inhibition. Lactase was chosen as a protein model and its activity was investigated by measuring glucose production from lactose hydrolysis. In the study, commercially available lactase pills were used as an enzyme source, while milk was used as a substrate. Instead of scientific equipment, glucometers were used to measure lactase activity. Enzyme kinetics were evaluated using Michaelis–Menten and Lineweaver–Burk plots. In the study, the effects of temperature, pH, and inhibitors were also investigated. The approach presented here offers a cost-effective procedure for studying enzyme kinetics and inhibition. It can act as a valuable tool for educational purposes and for preliminary research in settings with limited resources.

A cost-effective enzyme kinetics and inhibition model for biochemistry education and research

VanDee L, Teague A, East T, Jacinto KR, Carter M, Totty J, et al. Biochem Mol Biol Educ. 2024; 52(5): 588–598.

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.