Inherited diseases represent a vast group of pathologies resulting from variants in specific genes encoding different proteins, which directly or indirectly affect metabolic pathways or impair mitochondrial and cellular functions. Thus, genetic diseases, depending on which gene is involved, may generate subtle, mild, or severe metabolic phenotypes, caused by enzyme malfunction, structural or functional alterations in proteins or cofactors, or disruptions in cellular signaling or transport mechanisms. The consequences of deranged metabolic pathways can include: - The accumulation of compounds that may become toxic; - A deficiency or absence of the final products of metabolic pathways, leading to a shortage of essential substrates or disruptions in energy production; - The activation of alternative metabolic pathways, potentially producing secondary metabolites that are normally absent and may also be toxic. Emerging literature shows that bioenergetic defects, characterized by reduced energy availability or increased oxidative stress, lead to profound changes in fundamental processes such as mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy, and mitochondria–endoplasmic reticulum communication, with pathological consequences at both the cellular and organismal levels.

This Special Collection invites original research articles, reviews, and perspectives aimed at elucidating the mechanistic links between genetic variants and bioenergetic dysfunction. Contributions addressing how specific mutations directly or indirectly impact energy production systems, as well as studies exploring molecular and metabolic pathway alterations associated with these defects, are particularly encouraged.

Depending on where you are located, you may be able to publish open access at no additional cost to you. Researchers at many institutions such as Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Germany and United Kingdom can publish open access in the journal at no additional cost.

Check your eligibility prior to submission here: Open access funding | Journal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes | Springer Nature Link

We are pleased to announce the 2026 Special Issue of Biophysical Reviews: Biomolecular Condensates in Living Systems: from Function to Disease. What to Do Next. This Special Issue aims to showcase the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of biomolecular condensates, highlighting contributions to different areas of biology, from bacteria to plants and humans. The motivation for this Special Issue is to present the state of the current knowledge in Biomolecular Condensates (BMCs), emerging research directions, and methodological innovations. The issue will bring together both established and emerging voices, thus providing a comprehensive overview of current research activities as well as a forward-looking perspective on future developments in BMCs. We invite “Review or Comment Articles” addressing (but not limited to) the following core thematic areas: 1. Condensates in genomic function and regulation across systems (Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, Plants), 2. Condensate metastability and aging, 3. Condensates in Plants, 4. Synthetic and therapeutic condensates, 5. Theoretical approaches to BMCs, 6. BMCs in Health and Disease, 7. Technical innovations for studying BMCs, 8. author-initiated suggestions. This Special Issue welcomes contributions that emphasize methodological innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and translational impact, as well as studies that bridge experimental, computational, and data-driven approaches in the study of BMCs.