Detection of Cell-Associated Biomolecules

A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biomarkers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2027 | Viewed by 439

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Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, 2854 Sedgewick Road, Shaker Heights, OH, USA
Interests: flow cytometry; signal amplification; cell-specific molecular expression levels; bipolar disorder; major depressive disorder; PTSD; multiple sclerosis; acute myocardial infarction
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cellular function is mediated by biomolecules. Consequently, the detection of these biomolecules is crucial in understanding how cells mediate their crucial functions. In this context, biomolecules are defined as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, or glycans that mediate physiological or pathophysiological effects. Cell-associated small molecules, including cations or anions and small-molecule pharmaceuticals, are also relevant. 

Detection may be qualified by the aggregation of biomolecules, such as the components of signaling or effector pathways, or the presence of complexes that imply combined functional effects. Additionally, detection may be characterized by subcellular localization, which provides valuable context for functional activities. Finally, detection may be quantified so as to facilitate statistical inference.  Quantification may involve the proportion of cells expressing a molecule or the concentration of a molecule per cell.

In this Special Issue, cell-associated biomolecules will be featured. Innovations that enhance our understanding of the role biomolecules play in mediating cellular function will be promoted, and special emphasis will be given to considerations of translational clinical applications with diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic implications. Original research manuscripts, comprehensive reviews, and novel conceptual papers will be considered for this Special Issue. 

Prof. Dr. David R. Kaplan
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • cell-associated biomolecules
  • detection technologies
  • subcellular localization
  • quantification
  • biomolecular complexes
  • signaling pathways
  • flow cytometry
  • single-cell analysis
  • imaging techniques

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

18 pages, 1295 KB  
Review
Current Techniques for Inorganic Polyphosphate Detection and Characterisation
by Johanna G. Rodríguez and Thomas Renné
Biomolecules 2026, 16(8), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16081138 - 5 Aug 2026
Viewed by 270
Abstract
Polyphosphate (polyP) is an evolutionarily conserved linear polymer of orthophosphate residues with diverse functions across organisms from bacteria to mammals. In addition to its roles in phosphate and energy storage, polyP has been implicated in thrombosis, inflammation, cancer, metabolism, cytoskeletal regulation, and neurodegenerative [...] Read more.
Polyphosphate (polyP) is an evolutionarily conserved linear polymer of orthophosphate residues with diverse functions across organisms from bacteria to mammals. In addition to its roles in phosphate and energy storage, polyP has been implicated in thrombosis, inflammation, cancer, metabolism, cytoskeletal regulation, and neurodegenerative diseases. PolyP also acts as a molecular scaffold interacting with lysine-rich proteins and may contribute to protein folding and amyloid formation. However, biochemical heterogeneity, including variation in chain-length, subcellular localisation, and supramolecular organisation together with the absence of clearly defined mammalian biosynthetic pathways, has limited mechanistic understanding of polyP biology. Reliable detection and quantification remain challenging because current methods often suffer from limited specificity, chain length bias, insufficient quantitative robustness, and interference from other highly anionic biomolecules such as DNA or RNA. This review summarises current methodologies for polyP detection and characterisation. Emerging polyP-specific probes, including recombinant polyP-binding domains derived from polyphosphatases and conserved histidine α-helical domains may improve qualitative and quantitative analysis of polyP in complex biological systems. Improved analytical strategies will be essential to define the physiological roles of polyP and evaluate its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection of Cell-Associated Biomolecules)
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