, 03/06/2026
Prohibitins: emerging host targets of bacteria and viruses at the plasma membrane, mitochondria, and cytoplasm

Prohibitins: emerging host targets of bacteria and viruses at the plasma membrane, mitochondria, and cytoplasm

Rivera-Palomino and Theiss

Prohibitins are emerging as central host hubs exploited by bacteria and viruses to rewire signaling and mitochondrial dynamics. The current review discusses Prohibitins in host-pathogen interplay and their potential as novel anti-infective targets.

, 02/06/2026
Outer membrane vesicles in <i>Vibrio</i> species: Roles in biofilm formation and pathogenesis

Outer membrane vesicles in Vibrio species: Roles in biofilm formation and pathogenesis

Shambhavi and Singh

This review explores current knowledge on outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in Vibrio species, highlighting their roles in pathogenesis, host interaction, and marine ecology; and identifies major knowledge gaps, outlining key methodological challenges and future prospects for OMV-based applications.

Genomic epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> circulating in a Chilean tertiary-care hospital (2021–2022): Molecular characterization, resistance-virulence convergence, and clinical associations

Genomic epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae circulating in a Chilean tertiary-care hospital (2021–2022): Molecular characterization, resistance-virulence convergence, and clinical associations

Araya et al.

This study characterized carbapenem-resistant Kp (CR-Kp) strains isolated at the Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile (HCUCH) 2021-2022 and explored associations with clinical characteristics.

, 15/05/2026
The mechanism of Tat-dependent protein translocation

The mechanism of Tat-dependent protein translocation

Brüser and Sanders

This review integrates mechanistically relevant biochemical, molecular, and structural studies on Tat-dependent translocation of folded proteins into an in its molecular detail new comprehensive explanation of how the Tat system mediates protein transport.

Sugar-induced cell death (SICD) in <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>: insights into nitrogen-mediated rescue and apoptotic cell death pathways

Sugar-induced cell death (SICD) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: insights into nitrogen-mediated rescue and apoptotic cell death pathways

Parbhudayal and Cheng

This study examined mechanisms through which yeast sugar-induced cell death can be prevented. High concentrations of glucose induced a catastrophic response that was only rescued by highly preferred nitrogen sources and by preventing nuclear localization of specific cell death proteins.

, 14/04/2026
From the gut to the lungs: The role of gut microbiota in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and related research progress

From the gut to the lungs: The role of gut microbiota in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and related research progress

Yang et al.

This article provides new ideas and directions for the basic research and clinical practice of COPD by comprehensively sorting out the association between gut microbiota and COPD.

TOR-dependent regulation of the yeast homolog of the juvenile Batten Disease-associated gene <i>CLN3</i>

TOR-dependent regulation of the yeast homolog of the juvenile Batten Disease-associated gene CLN3

Pillalamarri et al.

This study identifies conditions and genes that induce BTN1 expression in yeast. We show that BTN1 expression is regulated by translational control and by the mTOR1 pathway. An understanding of when and why BTN1 expression will aid in understanding the expression of CLN3, which may be helpful in the treatment of this devastating disease.

Metagenomic and microbiological analyses of historical manuscripts for bacterial community profiling and bacteria-related biodeterioration assessment

Metagenomic and microbiological analyses of historical manuscripts for bacterial community profiling and bacteria-related biodeterioration assessment

Keles and Celik

By documenting both culturable and non-culturable taxa, this work provides a foundational dataset for understanding bacterial contributions to manuscript stability and offers a methodological framework for future research on biodeterioration dynamics in Islamic and global documentary heritage.

Overcoming phagocytosis resistance of hypervirulent <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> by directly targeting capsules

Overcoming phagocytosis resistance of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae by directly targeting capsules

Tsubaki et al.

This study highlights a promising strategy for disarming hypervirulent K. pneumoniae by directly targeting its key virulence factors and provides novel insights into antibacterial therapeutic approaches against this clinically significant pathogen.

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RidA proteins contribute to fitness of S. enterica and E. coli by reducing 2AA stress and moderating flux to isoleucine biosynthesis Fulton et al.

RidA proteins contribute to fitness of S. enterica and E. coli by reducing 2AA stress and moderating flux to isoleucine biosynthesis

This study solidifies the established role of RidA in removing 2AA, while also presenting evidence for a role of RidA in enhancing flux towards isoleucine biosynthesis in E. coli. Overall, these data emphasize that metabolic networks can generate distinct responses to perturbation, even when the individual components are conserved.

Fecal gelatinase does not predict mortality in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis Yang et al.

Fecal gelatinase does not predict mortality in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis

This study aimed to investigate the significance of fecal gelatinase on clinical outcomes in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis. In conclusion, in our cohort, fecal gelatinase does not predict mortality and does not indicate higher disease severity in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis.

Direct detection of stringent alarmones (pp)pGpp using malachite green Schicketanz et al.

Direct detection of stringent alarmones (pp)pGpp using malachite green

In this study, we demonstrate the surprising discovery of a commercially available, low-cost malachite green (MG) detection kit, originally designed for orthophosphate (Pi) detection, for detecting (p)ppGpp and its analogues, especially pGpp

Promoter methylation and increased expression of PD-L1 in patients with active tuberculosis Tseng et al.

Promoter methylation and increased expression of PD-L1 in patients with active tuberculosis

The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway plays a pivotal role in T cell activity and is involved in the pathophysiology of tuberculosis. Here we show that PD-L1 expression is increased in patients with active tuberculosis and is correlated with treatment outcomes.

Quantification methods of Candida albicans are independent irrespective of fungal morphology Soares et al.

Quantification methods of Candida albicans are independent irrespective of fungal morphology

Our study demonstrated that the quantification methods of C. albicans (cells/mL, CFU/mL, and vPCR) did not agree, regardless of the fungal morphology/growth, even though a significant and strong correlation is observed.

Pathogenic Escherichia coli change the adhesion between neutrophils and endotheliocytes in the experimental bacteremia model Pleskova et al.

Pathogenic Escherichia coli change the adhesion between neutrophils and endotheliocytes in the experimental bacteremia model

In this work, we have demonstrated that in the model of experimental septicemia there is a disruption of adhesion contacts between neutrophils and endothelial cells, manifested by a decrease in adhesion force and work upon exposure to E. coli.

Arsenite treatment induces Hsp90 aggregates distinct from conventional stress granules in fission yeast Tomimoto et al.

Arsenite treatment induces Hsp90 aggregates distinct from conventional stress granules in fission yeast

Given the conserved role of Hsp90 as a molecular chaperone protein, our findings presented in this study may suggest a novel type of arsenite-induced biological condensates, wherein Hsp90 plays a key role in maintaining its integrity.

Unresolved mystery of cyclic nucleotide second messengers, periplasmic acid phosphatases and bacterial natural competence Kronborg and Zhang

Unresolved mystery of cyclic nucleotide second messengers, periplasmic acid phosphatases and bacterial natural competence

In this study we aimed to identify the promotors responsible for the expression of the non-specific acid phosphatase AphA during different starvation conditions, to confirm the requirement of the cAMP-dependent CRP regulon for aphA expression, and to finally identify regulators of its expression.

Expansion of metabolically labelled endocytic organelles and cytoskeletal cell structures in Giardia lamblia using optimised U- ExM protocols Jetishi et al.

Expansion of metabolically labelled endocytic organelles and cytoskeletal cell structures in Giardia lamblia using optimised U- ExM protocols

Understanding cellular ultrastructure is tightly bound to microscopic resolution and the ability to identify individual components at that resolution. In this study we demonstrate mostly isotropic 4.5-fold expansion of several different compartments in Giardia cells and present an optimised, shortened, and modular protocol that can be swiftly adjusted to the investigators needs.

Previous Next
, 03/06/2026
Prohibitins: emerging host targets of bacteria and viruses at the plasma membrane, mitochondria, and cytoplasm

Prohibitins: emerging host targets of bacteria and viruses at the plasma membrane, mitochondria, and cytoplasm

Rivera-Palomino and Theiss

Prohibitins are emerging as central host hubs exploited by bacteria and viruses to rewire signaling and mitochondrial dynamics. The current review discusses Prohibitins in host-pathogen interplay and their potential as novel anti-infective targets.

, 02/06/2026
Outer membrane vesicles in <i>Vibrio</i> species: Roles in biofilm formation and pathogenesis

Outer membrane vesicles in Vibrio species: Roles in biofilm formation and pathogenesis

Shambhavi and Singh

This review explores current knowledge on outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in Vibrio species, highlighting their roles in pathogenesis, host interaction, and marine ecology; and identifies major knowledge gaps, outlining key methodological challenges and future prospects for OMV-based applications.

, 15/05/2026
The mechanism of Tat-dependent protein translocation

The mechanism of Tat-dependent protein translocation

Brüser and Sanders

This review integrates mechanistically relevant biochemical, molecular, and structural studies on Tat-dependent translocation of folded proteins into an in its molecular detail new comprehensive explanation of how the Tat system mediates protein transport.

, 14/04/2026
From the gut to the lungs: The role of gut microbiota in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and related research progress

From the gut to the lungs: The role of gut microbiota in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and related research progress

Yang et al.

This article provides new ideas and directions for the basic research and clinical practice of COPD by comprehensively sorting out the association between gut microbiota and COPD.

, 12/02/2026
Protein arginine methyltransferases in protozoan parasites: a new path for antiparasitic chemotherapy?

Protein arginine methyltransferases in protozoan parasites: a new path for antiparasitic chemotherapy?

Campagnaro et al.

This review discusses the activity and the relevance of arginine methyltransferases for the survival of pathogenic kinetoplastids, apicomplexans and amoebas, and how these enzymes could be exploited as drug targets.

, 25/08/2025

Gut microbiota and ankylosing spondylitis: current insights and future challenges

Lobiuc et al.

This review explores the growing role of gut microbiota in AS and its potential to reshape targeted treatment strategies and facilitate development of adjunct therapies to address disease onset and progression.

, 15/05/2025
Advancements in vaginal microbiota, <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i>, and vaginal cell interactions: Insights from co-culture assays

Advancements in vaginal microbiota, Trichomonas vaginalis, and vaginal cell interactions: Insights from co-culture assays

Cardoso and Tasca

This review updates co-culture and co-incubation techniques for studying interactions of Lactobacillus spp., representing a pre-dominant member of the healthy vaginal microbiota; Candida spp., the most abundant yeast in the vagina, and T. vaginalis, responsible for the most widespread nonviral STI worldwide.

, 15/04/2025
Influence of cervicovaginal microbiota on <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> infection dynamics

Influence of cervicovaginal microbiota on Chlamydia trachomatis infection dynamics

Hand et al.

This review examines the complex interplay between the cervicovaginal microbiome, C. trachomatis infection, and host immune responses, highlighting the role of metabolites such as short-chain and long-chain fatty acids, indole, and iron in modulating pathogen survival and host defenses.

, 31/03/2025
Unveiling the molecular architecture of the mitochondrial respiratory chain of <i>Acanthamoeba castellanii</i>

Unveiling the molecular architecture of the mitochondrial respiratory chain of Acanthamoeba castellanii

Scheckhuber et al.

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mitochondrial res-piratory chain in A. castellanii, focusing on the key alternative components involved in oxidative phosphorylation and their roles in energy metabolism, stress response, and adaptation to various conditions.

Next

Sulfur dioxide resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: beyond SSU1

García-Ríos and Guillamón

This article discusses the importance of understanding sulfite resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae due to its use in winemaking and the potential role of the transcription factor Com2. While the SSU1 gene and its activity have been correlated with sulfite tolerance, the work by Lage et al. (2019) indicates that Com2 might control a large percentage of the genes activated by SO2 and contribute to the yeast’s protective response, offering new insights into the molecular factors influencing this oenological trait.

Targeting GATA transcription factors – a novel strategy for anti-aging interventions?

Zimmermann et al.

This article comments on work published by Carmona-Gutierrez et al. (Nat Commun., 2019), which identified a natural compound, 4,4′-dimethoxychalcone, inducing autophagy and prolonging lifespan in different organisms through a mechanism that involves GATA transcription factors.

, 21/01/2019

In the beginning was the word: How terminology drives our understanding of endosymbiotic organelles

Oborník

This In the Pit article argues that the naming conventions for biological entities influence research perspectives and methodologies, advocating for mitochondria and plastids to be classified and named as bacteria due to their endosymbiotic origins, with potential implications for our understanding of bacterial prevalence, definitions of the microbiome and multicellularity, and the concept of endosymbiotic domestication.

, 21/01/2019

What’s in a name? How organelles of endosymbiotic origin can be distinguished from endosymbionts

Gruber

This In the Pit article suggests redefining the relationship between hosts and endosymbionts, like mitochondria and plastids, as a single species based on “sexual symbiont integration,” the loss of independent speciation, and congruence in genetic recombination and population sizes, rather than solely on historic classifications or structural properties.

, 07/05/2018

Microbial wars: competition in ecological niches and within the microbiome

Bauer et al.

In this Editorial Bauer et al. provide a brief overview on microbial competition and discuss some of its roles and consequences that directly affect humans.

Exploring the mechanism of amebic trogocytosis: the role of amebic lysosomes

Gilmartin and Petri

In this article, the authors comment on the study “Inhibition of Amebic Lysosomal Acidification Blocks Amebic Trogocytosis and Cell Killing” by Gilmartin et al. (MBio, 2017), discussing the the role of amebic lysosomes in Trogocytosis, the intracellular transfer of fragments of cell material.

, 24/10/2017

Uncovering the hidden: complexity and strategies for diagnosing latent tuberculosis

Flores-Valdez

This editorial postulates that advanced proteomic and transcriptomic techniques are evolving and may enhance the detection of latent tuberculosis, thereby distinguishing true M. tuberculosis infections from other conditions, which is vital for controlling potential reactivation and transmission.

, 07/08/2017

The Yin & Yang of Mitochondrial Architecture – Interplay of MICOS and F1Fo-ATP synthase in cristae formation

Rampelt and van der Laan

This Editorial posits that mitochondrial cristae architecture is shaped by the interplay of MICOS and ATP synthase, with a recent study illuminating their roles in cristae formation and maintenance.

When a ribosomal protein grows up – the ribosome assembly path of Rps3

Brigitte Pertschy

This article comments on two papers by Mitterer et al., which followed yeast protein Rps3, highlighting the sophisticated mechanisms for protein protection, nuclear transport, and integration into pre-ribosomal particles for final assembly with 40S subunits.

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FAQs

Whether you’re preparing a manuscript, reviewing a paper, or just exploring the journal, this FAQ answers the essentials—from scope and founders to impact and how to submit. Prefer a tailored path? Pick For authors or For reviewers below.

Peer-reviewed, open-access research using unicellular organisms (and multicellular microorganisms) to understand cellular responses and human disease.

The journal (founded in 2014) is led by its Editors-in-Chief Frank Madeo, Didac Carmona-Gutierrez, and Guido Kroemer

Microbial Cell has been publishing original scientific literature since 2014, and from the very beginning has been managed by active scientists through an independent Publishing House (Shared science Publishers). The journal was conceived as a platform to acknowledge the importance of unicellular organisms, both as model systems as well as in the biological context of human health and disease.

Ever since, Microbial Cell has very positively developed and strongly grown into a respected journal in the unicellular research community and even beyond. This scientific impact is reflected in the yearly number of citations obtained by articles published in Microbial Cell, as recorded by the Web of Science (Clarivate, formerly Thomson/Reuters):

The scientific impact of Microbial Cell is also mirrored in a series of milestones:

2015: Microbial Cell is included in the Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), a selection of developing journals drafted by Clarivate Analytics based on the candidate’s publishing standards, quality, editorial content, and citation data. Note: As an ESCI-selected journal, Microbial Cell is currently being evaluated in a rigorous and long process to determine an inclusion in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), which allows the official calculation of Clarivate Analytics’ impact factor.

2016: Microbial Cell is awarded the so-called DOAJ Seal by the selective Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). The DOAJ Seal is an exclusive mark of certification for open access journals granted by DOAJ to journals that adhere to outstanding best practice and achieve an extra high and clear commitment to open access and high publishing standards.

2017: Microbial Cell is included in Pubmed Central (PMC), allowing the archiving of all the journal’s articles in PMC and PubMed.

2019: Microbial Cell is indexed in the prestigious abstract and citation database Scopus after a thorough selection process. This also means that Microbial Cell obtains, for the first time, an official Scopus CiteScore as well as an official journal ranking in the Scimago Journal and Country Ranking.

2022: Microbial Cell’s CiteScore reaches a value of 7.2 for the year 2021, positioning Microbial Cell among the top microbiology journals (previously available CiteScores: 2019: 5.4; 2020: 5.1).

2022: Microbial Cell is indexed in the highly selective Science Citation Index Expanded™, which covers approx. 9,500 of the world’s most impactful journals across 178 scientific disciplines. In their journal selection and curation process, Clarivate´s editors apply 24 ‘quality’ criteria and four ‘impact’ criteria to select the most influential journals in their respective fields. This selection is also a pre-requisite for inclusion in the JCR, which features the impact factor.

2022: Microbial Cell is listed in the Journal Citation Reports™ (JCR), and obtains its first official Journal Impact Factor™ (JIF) for the year 2021: 5.316.

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