BMC Biology is calling for submissions on the topic of stem cells and cancer, that explores the intricate relationship between stem cell and cancer biology. In particular, we welcome studies providing new insights on the characterization and regulation of cancer stem cells, the role of stem and progenitor cells of the niche in the propagation of the tumor, and the role of reprogramming in this context, as well as potential therapeutic strategies based on reprogramming or targeting of various stem and progenitor cells. Moreover, studies describing the use of induced pluripotent stem cells for cancer modeling and as a drug discovery platform will be considered, as well as studies on the use of stem cells homing to deliver targeted therapy to tumors. Articles describing basic biology or translational research are welcome. We encourage novel approaches or applications of existing protocols to explore the stem properties of cancer cells (e.g., single-cell approaches for lineage tracing, computational methods to track tumor cell evolution, leveraging model organisms of development to gain insights into human disease) in vivo and in vitro. Please note that studies based on analysis of existing datasets (e.g., TCGA or scRNA-seq) that lack substantial experimental validation are discouraged. Potential topics of interest include, but are not limited to: Stem and progenitor cells of the tumor microenvironment; In situ reprogramming of cancer stem cells; Cancer stem cell plasticity and tumor heterogeneity; Stem/progenitor populations and their differentiated descendants in normal development, providing insights into the diverse cell identities within a tumor; Cell/molecular basis of potential treatments for cancer, via targeting various types of stem and progenitor cells; Biomarkers and imaging techniques for detecting cancer stem cells; Using induced pluripotent stem cells and organoid cultures for cancer modeling and as a drug discovery platform;

BMC Biology is calling for submissions to our Collection on Lipid metabolism in physiology and cell function. Lipid metabolism plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating essential physiological processes. The growing field of lipidomics has provided unprecedented insights into the diverse functions of lipids and their dynamic interplay with cellular processes. Understanding this interplay is crucial. In humans, it has implications in various pathologies such as cancer, obesity, and neurodegenerative disease. In plants, it is essential for proper development and for triggering adaptive stress responses. In addition, lipids are at the forefront of industrial efforts on pharmaceuticals, bioenergetics, food quality, and diverse other applications, and optimization of natural product production in microorganisms could benefit from engineering of lipid metabolic pathways. In light of this, as well as current changes observed in ecosystems and technology development, investigating lipid metabolism in physiology and cell function is not only timely but also essential for advancing disease treatment, therapeutic interventions, crop improvement, and other biotechnological approaches. The Collection welcomes submissions on the regulators of lipid metabolism, including its genetic determinants and the microbiome, and on the role of lipids in cellular homeostasis and physiological processes, including the regulation of fatty acid metabolism and lipidomics advancements. Additionally, we strongly encourage submissions focusing on the requirements of lipid metabolism and effects of lipid toxicity in diverse organ systems such as the immune and nervous systems, liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue, as well as the basis of lipid metabolism dysregulation in metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Research on the interplay between lipid metabolism and cancer progression, inflammation, immune response, aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and lifestyle and therapeutic approaches to targeting lipid metabolism using diverse models of disease are also encouraged. We welcome research on plant lipid metabolism during development and in response to stress, updates on seed oil production and accumulation, and identification of new lipid-derived natural products. Finally, we welcome research on ecosystem adaptation, and biotechnological applications, from animals to plants and microorganisms. Topics may include, but are not limited to: Regulatory mechanisms governing fatty acid synthesis, oxidation, and storage; Interactions between lipids and other molecular determinants of cell function; Role of fatty acids in cellular signaling and metabolic homeostasis; Advancements in lipidomics for lipid profiling and quantification; Lipotoxicity mechanisms and their contribution to metabolic disorders; Therapeutic approaches to mitigate lipotoxicity-associated pathologies; Role of lipid mediators and lipid-derived signaling molecules in inflammation and tissue repair, as well as plant development and adaptation to stress; Studies of lipid metabolism in microorganisms of industrial/agricultural interest;