Advances in Cell and Tissue Ultrastructure: Molecular Mechanisms and Biomedical Applications
A Special Issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067) belonging to the section "Molecular Biology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2027
Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Many research methods are currently available in science, from the study of genes and proteins at the transcriptomics and proteomics levels to modern 3D techniques. Knowledge of the changes occurring in tissues and cells at the ultrastructural level complements every medical experiment. The area of cell ultrastructure provides extreme challenges and opportunities that are realized using tools such as an electron microscope, which, thanks to the electron beam, allows for nanometric resolution. It is used primarily in medicine for the diagnosis of rare diseases like ciliopathies, genetic or acquired disorders including neuromuscular diseases, and, finally, glomerulonephritis. Over time, subsequent electron microscopes were modernized, and techniques and application procedures were improved, which increased the diagnostic capabilities of this tool. Currently, the global trend is toward modern and advanced methods that push boundaries, allowing for the study of individual proteins inside the cells. Examples include cryo-transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM), which allows for the study of hydrated cells in a near-native environment without embedding procedures and the risk of damaging cellular organelles or distortions. Moreover, modern techniques such as 3D electron tomography (3D-EM), serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBEM) or immunogold reaction for protein localization expand beyond the 2D planar morphology of the cell.
Altogether, this Special Issue aims to present and disseminate the most recent advances related to tissue and cell ultrastructure. We are pleased to invite researchers and clinicians dealing with different kinds of disorders affecting patients worldwide, as well as experts using advanced preparation procedures applied in biology, chemistry and medicine.
In this Special Issue, original scientific research articles, comprehensive reviews and case reports are welcome.
We invite contributions addressing the following:
- Cellular organelles architecture and dynamics, including different types of vesicles
- Ultrastructural pathology: neurodegenerative, neuromuscular, intercellular junctions, liver diseases, ciliopathies and glomerulopathies
- Tumours ultrastructure
- Cryo-TEM and cryo-electron tomography
- Integration of data: omics + ultrastructure
- Immunolocalization of proteins with colloidal gold nanoparticles
- Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM)
- Cell interaction in 3D structures such as spheroids and organoids
- Influence of drugs and inhibitors on cell lines in in vitro studies
- 3D reconstructions of cell and tissue structures.
Altogether, this field of interest will always be timely and significant for scientific discoveries and medicine.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Katarzyna Haczkiewicz-Leśniak
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- cell ultrastructure
- tissue ultrastructure
- ultrastructural pathology
- glomerulonephritis
- organelles architecture
- neuromuscular disorders
- cryo-TEM
- advanced electron microscopy techniques
- spheroids
- gold nanoparticles
- vesicles morphology
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