Overview of the Call for Manuscripts
The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine (YJBM) announces a focused issue titled “Mitochondria in Health and Disease.” This call invites researchers, clinicians, and scholars to contribute original research articles, reviews, and perspective pieces that advance our understanding of how mitochondrial function influences health, disease mechanisms, and potential therapies. The deadline for submissions is June 1, 2026, with publication planned for September 2026. This issue aims to synthesize cutting-edge discoveries from cellular biology, genetics, bioenergetics, immunology, neurology, oncology, metabolism, and translational medicine.
Why Mitochondria Matter in Health and Disease
Mitochondria are more than just powerhouses of the cell. They regulate apoptosis, calcium signaling, reactive oxygen species, metabolic pathways, and innate immune responses. When mitochondrial function is disrupted, a wide range of conditions may arise—from rare mitochondrial diseases to common complex diseases such as neurodegeneration, metabolic syndrome, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and aging processes. This issue seeks to connect basic mitochondrial biology with clinical outcomes, highlighting how mitochondrial dysfunction can drive pathogenesis and how targeted interventions might restore cellular homeostasis.
Scope and Topics of Interest
Submissions should provide novel insights into the role of mitochondria in health and disease. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to:
- Genetic and epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial function
- Mitochondrial dynamics, quality control, and mitophagy
- Mitochondria-immune system crosstalk and inflammation
- Metabolic reprogramming and energy production in health and disease
- Role of mitochondria in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases
- Mitochondrial DNA biology and its clinical implications
- Therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial pathways (drugs, gene therapy, lifestyle interventions)
- Technologies and methodologies for studying mitochondria in vivo and in vitro
- Translational and clinical research linking mitochondrial function to patient outcomes
Reviews and perspectives are encouraged to provide conceptual frameworks and summarize emerging evidence, while original research should present rigorous data, robust methodologies, and clear translational relevance.
Submission Details and Guidelines
Submissions should adhere to YJBM’s general editorial standards, including originality, ethics compliance, and data transparency. Manuscripts will undergo peer review, and accepted articles will appear in the September 2026 issue. Important deadlines and criteria include:
- Submission Deadline: June 1, 2026
- Format: Follow YJBM author guidelines, with structured abstracts for research articles
- Word Count: Please tailor to article type (e.g., 3,000–5,000 words for original research; shorter for reviews)
- Peer Review: Standard double-blind review process; data availability and replicability encouraged
- Copyright and Open Access: Check YJBM policies on open access options and funding requirements
To submit, authors should prepare a cover letter outlining the manuscript’s novelty, clinical or translational relevance, and potential impact. Include competing interests, funding sources, and any related prior submissions.
What the Editor’s Team Looks For
Editors at YJBM seek manuscripts that advance the field by integrating mitochondrial biology with clinical insight. High-quality manuscripts will demonstrate:
- Clear hypothesis or research question tied to mitochondrial function
- Rigorous methodology and appropriate controls
- Relevance to health outcomes and disease mechanisms
- Potential for therapeutic implications or biomarker discovery
- Clarity of writing and accessibility to a broad biomedical audience
Why Contribute to This Issue
Contributors to this focused issue will benefit from alignment with a diverse readership spanning basic science and clinical disciplines. Accepted studies will be highlighted with editorial insights and, where appropriate, translational commentary to bridge laboratory findings and patient care. The issue will also feature review articles that synthesize current knowledge and identify gaps for future research, fostering collaborative opportunities across disciplines.
Important Notes for Prospective Authors
Before submitting, please verify that your research aligns with the mitochondrial focus and that all ethical approvals, patient consent (when applicable), and data-sharing commitments are in place. Authors from all regions are encouraged to submit, reflecting the global relevance of mitochondrial biology in health and disease. If you have questions about fit or scope, consider contacting the editorial office for guidance before submission.
Next Steps
Prepare your manuscript according to the journal’s guidelines, assemble all required materials, and submit by the June 1, 2026 deadline to be considered for publication in September 2026. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a curated issue that will advance understanding of mitochondrial roles in health and disease and impact future research directions.
