BMC Biology is calling for submissions to our Collection on Conservation genomics. With global biodiversity facing unprecedented threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human activities, understanding the genetic basis of species survival and adaptation is essential for effective conservation strategies.

This Collection welcomes submissions on genomic studies focused on demographic histories, population dynamics, and adaptive genetic variation in species facing threats. Additionally, submissions focusing on applying genomic tools for monitoring invasive species, assessing the genetic impacts of human activities, and developing conservation strategies are highly valued.

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

Identification of genomic regions associated with adaptive traits

Approaches to assess genetic diversity in fragmented or isolated populations

Tools and computational methods for monitoring invasive species

Integration of genomic data with ecological and environmental data

Studies of predator-prey relationships and symbiotic associations

Assessment of the genetic impact caused by habitat destruction and climate change on biodiversity

Conservation strategies based on genetic rescue

Species distribution models and landscape genomics to predict range contractions/expansions

Utility of forward-time population genomics in understanding adaptive evolution in response to anthropogenic pressures and global climate change

Combined inference from large population genomic databases

Computational methods to estimate inbreeding, relatedness, genetic load, and other measures of adaptive consequence

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 15: Life on Land.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

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

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.