Imagine a tiny powerhouse within our cells that holds the key to both our health and disease—mitochondria are far more influential than many realize. And here’s where things often get controversial: understanding whether mitochondrial roles are solely beneficial or potentially harmful in certain contexts sparks lively debate among scientists. This is why we’re excited to announce a special call for manuscripts focusing on the vital role of mitochondria in health and disease. If you have innovative research, comprehensive reviews, detailed case reports, or fresh perspectives that delve into this fascinating area, we want to hear from you!
Mark your calendars: submissions are open until June 1, 2026, with the issue slated for publication in September 2026. This dedicated issue of the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine (YJBM) aims to explore a wide array of topics around mitochondria, including:
- The intricate processes of molecular metabolism
- How mitochondria influence infection responses and immune functions
- The structure, function, and significance of mitochondrial DNA
- The role of mitochondria in brain development, neurodegenerative diseases, and broader neuroscience fields
- Both inherited (primary) and acquired mitochondrial disorders
- Strategies and mechanisms for mitochondrial quality control
- The interaction of mitochondria with stem cell differentiation
- The importance of mitochondria in maintaining overall cellular stability and homeostasis
- And clinically relevant case reports illustrating real-world implications.
Unsure whether your manuscript fits within these themes? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our deputy editors, Ruth Mabel Boytz (ruthmabel.boytz@yale.edu) and Alex Boakye (alexander.boakye@yale.edu), for guidance.
A brief note on the journal: YJBM has been publishing since 1928 and is indexed in PubMed, making your work accessible to a broad scientific audience. As an open-access publication, our goal is to give graduate and medical students hands-on experience in writing, reviewing, and the publishing process. Our peer review process involves expert faculty members, ensuring rigorous evaluation—plus, there’s no fee to publish!
In 2024, YJBM boasts a Scopus CiteScore of 5.1 and a promising Impact Factor of 3.9, underscoring its standing in the scientific community.
Your manuscript length can vary depending on what type of article you’re submitting. For detailed author guidelines, visit our website at https://medicine.yale.edu/yjbm/authorguidelines/index.aspx. We employ double-blind peer review, yet we also accommodate single-blind submissions if authors prefer, where only reviewer names remain anonymous.
Finally: whether you’re an experienced researcher or a newcomer with innovative ideas, submitting your work to this special issue could expand understanding of one of biology’s most crucial organelles. Do you agree that the role of mitochondria in health and disease warrants more attention? Or do you believe there are overlooked aspects that deserve further exploration? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
