BMC Biology is calling for submissions to our Collection on the biology of neurodegenerative diseases. This Collection aims to bring together multidisciplinary knowledge to better understand the mechanisms driving progressive neuronal dysfunction and loss.

We welcome studies investigating key pathological mechanisms, including protein misfolding and aggregation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial disorders, dysfunction of cellular protein sorting and degradation, altered RNA metabolism, blood-brain barrier impairment, brain vascular dysfunction, contribution of extracellular vesicles and synaptic dysfunction. Research exploring intracellular transport disruptions, neuronal network alterations, and genetic or epigenetic contributions to neurodegeneration is also encouraged.

We are particularly seeking submissions that employ state-of-the-art approaches, such as multi-omics, electrophysiology, high-resolution imaging, (induced) pluripotent stem cell-derived model systems, (e.g. microfluidics 2D co-culture, organoids and assembloids), and animal models to gain deeper mechanistic insights into neurodegenerative processes and identify potential therapeutic targets.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.

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 our Collection on Human microbiome in health and disease. The human microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining health. Comprising trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea, the microbiome influences various physiological processes, such as metabolism, immune function, and even mental health through pathways like the gut-brain axis. Recent advances in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics have enabled researchers to explore the intricate relationships between the microbiome and human health, revealing its potential as a target for therapeutic interventions.

Continuing to advance our understanding of the human microbiome is essential for developing novel strategies to prevent and treat diseases. Significant progress has been made in identifying specific microbial signatures associated with conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer, as well as understanding the impact of antibiotics on microbial diversity. These insights have opened new avenues for personalized medicine, where microbiome profiling could guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.

As research in this field progresses, we can anticipate exciting developments, including the potential for microbiome-based therapies, such as probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation, to become mainstream treatments. Furthermore, ongoing studies may uncover the role of the microbiome in modulating responses to immunotherapy in cancer patients, leading to more effective and tailored treatment approaches.

Potential topics for submission include, but are not limited to:

The role of the gut, oral, skin, and vaginal microbiome in health and disease

Microbial ecosystems and their impact on the immune system

The gut-brain axis: implications for mental health

The connection between the microbiome and neurodegenerative diseases

Evolution of the human microbiome across different populations

Effects of antibiotics on microbiome diversity

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.

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.