BMC Biology is calling for submissions to our Collection on Cancer metabolism. Cancer metabolism is a developing field that explores the biochemical and physiological changes that occur in cancer cells, which often exhibit distinct metabolic pathways compared to normal cells. Alterations such as the Warburg effect, where cancer cells preferentially utilize glycolysis for energy production even in the presence of oxygen, play a pivotal role in tumor progression and survival. Understanding the intricacies of cancer metabolism provides insights into how tumors adapt to their microenvironments and highlights potential therapeutic targets for intervention.

Future research in cancer metabolism promises to yield transformative insights that could reshape therapeutic approaches and improve precision medicine. The continued focus on metabolic pathways may lead to the identification of new biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, as well as novel strategies to enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to treatment. As we deepen our understanding of the metabolic landscape of tumors, we may uncover innovative strategies that exploit these vulnerabilities, ultimately leading to novel and more effective cancer treatments, as well as improved patient outcomes.

Recent advancements in the field, including the identification of metabolic reprogramming strategies and the influence of diet on tumor growth, have opened new avenues for research. Investigations into the roles of lipids, fatty acids, and dietary interventions, such as ketogenic diets, are revealing potential methods for manipulating tumor metabolism and enhancing the efficacy of existing treatments. We invite researchers to submit their work to this Collection, which aims to showcase groundbreaking research and technologies addressing cancer metabolism and support the advancement of this field, encompassing a wide array of topics related to metabolic pathways and their implications for cancer biology and therapy.

Potential topics include but are not limited to:

• Metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells
• The Warburg effect and its implications
• Role of mitochondria in cancer metabolism
• Impact of dietary interventions on tumor metabolism
• Glycolysis and lipid metabolism in cancer
• Animal models
• Imaging and method developments
• Metabolic engineering

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 to our Collection on Symbiotic relationships.

Symbiotic relationships are fundamental interactions between different organisms —mutualistic, commensal, and parasitic—that shape ecological dynamics and evolutionary trajectories across the tree of life. From the nutrient sharing networks formed by plants and fungi in mycorrhizal systems to the intricate partnerships between animals and their microbial communities, symbiotic relationships reveal the deep interdependence that underlies biodiversity and ecosystem function.

Investigating symbiotic relationships is vital for understanding how species co-evolve and adapt within their environments. Recent advances in molecular biology and ecological genomics have allowed researchers to unravel the genetic and biochemical mechanisms underpinning these interactions. These insights shed light on how organisms negotiate benefits and costs, co-adapt over evolutionary timescales, and respond to shifting environmental pressures. Beyond fundamental biology, symbiosis research increasingly informs practical applications in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and conservation, underscoring the significance of this field of research.

Continued exploration into symbiotic interactions promises to illuminate new dimensions of ecological and evolutionary complexity. Emerging technologies may uncover previously unknown partnerships and offer ways to harness beneficial relationships to enhance our health, ecosystem stability, crop productivity, and conservation strategies. Understanding how symbioses originate, persist, and adapt in changing environments is central to predicting and managing biological responses in a rapidly shifting world.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

• Evolutionary impacts of symbiotic relationships, including transitions to parasitism, conflict resolution mechanisms and insights into costs, benefits, and trade-offs in maintaining these relationships
• Plant–Microbe and Plant–Fungi symbioses, including mycorrhizal networks, nitrogen-fixing symbioses, endophytic fungi and plant stress tolerance
• Animal-Microbiome interactions, including contributions to host health, genetic mechanisms underlying host–microbe recognition
• Biofilm communities as models for cooperative and competitive symbiosis
• Beneficial viral symbionts in unicellular and multicellular organisms
• Tripartite symbiotic systems, including ant-plant-fungus, lichen-algae-cyanobacteria
• Coral symbioses and their contributions to reef ecosystem health, restoration and recovery
• Holobiont frameworks across all taxa
• Resilience of symbiotic systems under climate change
• Synthetic biology approaches to design synthetic symbioses for various applications

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.