Cell Microenvironment
A section of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409).
Section Information
The “Cell Microenvironment” section of Cells aims to publish experimental findings and reviews that provide novel insights and/or conceptual advances to understand bidirectional interactions between diverse cell types and their microenvironment, which includes other cells, interstitial fluid, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) with associated signaling molecules. The focus is on the formation and remodeling of cell microenvironment under physiological and pathophysiological conditions, and its role in governing cell and tissue architecture and function through signaling pathways mediated by cell adhesion molecules, mechanosensitive channels, and receptors to ECM, growth factors, cytokines and neurotransmitters. Relevant research topics in this interdisciplinary field include, but not limited to, the ECM remodeling, mechanotransduction, stem-cell niche, tumor microenvironment, perineuronal nets and synaptic microenvironment, reconstitution and repair of cell microenvironments by injectable ECM scaffolds, gene therapy and pharmacological targeting, experimental modeling of microenvironment using micropatterning and microfluidics, and systems biology of cell microenvironment.
Editorial Board
Topical Advisory Panel
Special Issues
Following special issues within this section are currently open for submissions:
- Cell-to-Cell Crosstalk as a Target of Therapies (Deadline: 30 November 2025)
- The Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of the Tumor Microenvironment (Deadline: 1 December 2025)
- New Targets and Therapeutic Approaches Based on Molecular Mechanisms in Tumorigenesis and Cancer Metastasis (Deadline: 10 December 2025)
- Extracellular Vesicles and Cell Therapies in Regenerative Nephrology and Urology (Deadline: 15 December 2025)
- Cancer and Immune System Interactions (Deadline: 16 December 2025)
- State-of-the-Art Insights into the Cell Microenvironment (Deadline: 20 December 2025)
- Cellular Differentiation in Health and Disease (Deadline: 25 December 2025)
- How Does Gene Regulation Affect Cancer Development? (Deadline: 31 December 2025)
- Thoracic Tumors: Decoding Cellular Heterogeneity, Tumor Microenvironment Crosstalk, and Therapeutic Vulnerabilities (Deadline: 31 December 2025)
- Immunology and Immune Therapies for Cancer (Deadline: 31 December 2025)
- Targeting Breast Cancer: Mechanisms of Resistance and Innovative Therapeutic Strategies (Deadline: 15 January 2026)
- Mechanisms of Lung Growth and Regeneration (Deadline: 15 January 2026)
- The Roles of the Extracellular Matrix in Cardiac Structure and Function: A Commemorative Issue in Honor of Dr. Thomas K. Borg (Deadline: 30 January 2026)
- Emerging Targets and Therapeutic Potential Drugs in Tumor Progression and Therapeutic Resistance (Deadline: 31 January 2026)
- Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Challenges and Directions (Deadline: 31 January 2026)
- Phosphodiesterases (PDEs): Therapeutic Targets in Human Health and Disease (Deadline: 20 February 2026)
- Role of Extracellular Matrix in Cancer and Disease (Deadline: 28 February 2026)
- Targeting Tumor Microenvironments for Enhanced Cancer Immunotherapy (Deadline: 20 March 2026)
- New Concepts Relating Mesenchymal Tumors Based on Genetics and Epigenetics (Deadline: 20 March 2026)
- The Interplay Between Tumor Metabolism, Microenvironment and Cell Survival (Deadline: 31 March 2026)
- Lung Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities (Deadline: 31 March 2026)
- Telomere Maintenance and Metabolic Reprogramming in the Tumor Microenvironment (Deadline: 30 April 2026)
- Progress of Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Cancers (Deadline: 20 June 2026)
- How Can We Optimise Cancer Therapy? Tumour Microenvironment and Immune Evasion Strategies (Deadline: 31 July 2026)
- Harnessing the Tumor Microenvironment and Signaling Pathways for Precision Cancer Therapy (Deadline: 30 November 2026)
Topical Collections
Following topical collections within this section are currently open for submissions:
