Description
Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology provides a medium for rapid publication of investigations of the molecular biology and biochemistry of parasitic protozoa and helminths and their molecular interactions with their definitive and intermediate hosts and their vectors. The main subject areas covered are: the structure, biosynthesis, degradation, properties and function of parasite biomolecules – DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and small molecular-weight substances host-parasite relationships particularly as related to specific parasite molecules and to the response of host cells to infection vector-parasite relationships at the molecular level intermediary metabolism and bioenergetics drug target characterization and the mode of action of antiparasitic drugs analysis of gene function, expression, and of genome structure and stability analysis of variation in parasite populations relevant to genetic exchange, pathogenesis, drug and vaccine target characterization, and drug resistance; please note that genetic variation data must be supported by phenotypic/experimental data showing the effect of the variation, and that papers reporting solely on allele frequencies in specific regions will not be accepted. parasite protein trafficking, organelle biogenesis, and cellular structure especially with reference to the roles of specific molecules molecular and biochemical aspects of membrane structure and function parasite programmed cell death, development, and cell division at the molecular level methods reports – descriptions of novel or newly-optimized methods with broad applicability to molecular and biochemical parasitology Papers will only be accepted for publication if they fall within these areas, if they contain original and complete work of high scientific quality, and if they are well presented. Papers solely confirming the conserved functions of genes previously studied in other organisms will not be considered. We welcome short communications documenting a succinct but clear and important advance. 1. Original research articles should report highly significant innovative results not previously published elsewhere. Original articles are limited to 7,000 words per article (all text excluding tables and figure legends). 2. Short Communications need not be formally structured as full papers but should describe significant new findings and observations. The manuscript should ideally contain no more than 4Figures/Tables and 3000 words. The abstract should be limited to 200 words. 3. Methods Reports should contain descriptions of novel or newly-optimised methods with broad applicability to molecular parasitologists. The manuscript should ideally contain no more than 4 Figures/Tables and 3000 words. Results and Discussion are usually combined. The abstract should be limited to 200 words. Methods Reports must include a detailed step-by-step protocol and/or analysis code in the supplementary material. 4. Review articles should cover subjects falling within the scope of the journal which are of active current interest. They may be submitted or invited by the Editors. Review articles should include insightful recommendations for future directions needed for achieving public health impacts. Review articles are limited to 15,000 words per article (all text excluding tables and figure legends). If you have a suggestion for a Review article topic please email Special Content Editor, Geoff Gobert: G.Gobert@qub.ac.uk 5. Perspective articles should include scientifically backed points of view regarding currently relevant, controversial or future-oriented topics pertinent to the scope of MBP. Note that only outlining recent advances in a given field is not acceptable for a Perspective article. Besides stimulating scientific discussion or future research, perspective articles should provide a novel conceptual framework for an old or timely issue. The authors should outline which research directions should be prioritized and highlight specific points explaining why they should be prioritized in future research. Perspective articles are limited to 6,000 words per article (all text excluding tables and figure legends). 6. Letters to the Editor offering comment or useful critique on material published in the journal are welcome. Letters on “hot topics” are also welcome. Note that Letters to the Editors will also be externally reviewed but the decision to publish submitted letters rests with the Editors in Chief. A goal is to publish constructive letters that will permit an exchange of views which will be of benefit to both the journal and its readers. Letters to the Editor are limited to 2,000 words per article (all text excluding tables and figure legends).
