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

Plasmon-enhanced sensing and catalysis harnesses the unique light-matter interactions of metallic nanostructures to enable high-sensitivity detection and efficient chemical transformations. This special collection invites contributions that advance the fundamental understanding and practical application of plasmonic effects, including but not limited to:

1. Novel plasmonic materials and nanostructures for enhanced spectroscopic sensing (SERS, TERS, SEIRA, enhanced fluorescence, etc.)

2. Plasmon-enhanced fluorescence for bioimaging, immunoassays, and molecular detection

3. Plasmonic biosensing (e.g., LSPR-based biosensors, fiber-optic plasmonic sensors, point-of-care devices)

4. Plasmon-driven and plasmon-mediated catalytic reactions

5. Hot carrier dynamics and energy transfer mechanisms

6. Hybrid plasmonic–photonic, plasmonic–2D material or wearable systems

7. Single-particle and single-molecule sensing

8. Plasmon-enhanced electrochemistry and photocatalysis

9. Theoretical and computational modelling of plasmonic enhancement

10. Emerging applications in biological analysis, environmental monitoring, and energy conversion

Both original research articles and comprehensive reviews are welcome. Studies that bridge experimental and theoretical approaches, or that demonstrate significant advances in sensitivity, selectivity, or catalytic efficiency, are particularly encouraged.