Editorials

In this issue of Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, we are publishing two studies investigating the mechanisms of how bacteria fight phage invasion, and how phages fight back.

We review 2025 and discuss some of the foremost initiatives developed at the journal. We also look back at discoveries we have been proud to publish.

Participation in peer review is essential training for all scientists. We are now offering all Nature Structural & Molecular Biology reviewers the opportunity to invite an early career researcher to formally co-review manuscripts with them.

We are delighted to introduce additional content types at Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, which allow us to offer more discussion of societal and scientific issues, better represent the unique perspectives of our readers, showcase their stories, and amplify their voices.

We highlight primary research and commissioned content that delve into the biology of ubiquitylation and degradation mechanisms.

We outline a pilot starting at several Nature Portfolio journals aimed at improving and standardizing the reporting of light and fluorescence microscopy experiments.

We explain why we ask our authors to provide structural data prior to peer review.

We discuss work at the forefront of structural cell biology featured in this issue.

As 2024 closes, we take this opportunity to reflect on the highlights of our 30th anniversary year and consider what the future holds for the field.

This issue of Nature Structural & Molecular Biology presents studies investigating RNA processing, including mechanisms of splicing, biogenesis of the splicing machinery, decoding of mRNA by the ribosome, and deadenylation of mRNA for degradation. We are also delighted to be publishing News & Views and Comment pieces that reflect on these exciting advances in the field.

The first membrane protein structure was reported almost 40 years ago. In this issue, we are publishing a set of papers that serve to underline the incredible advances in our understanding of the biology of these multifaceted molecular machines.

In addition to the usual dose of compelling science, our March issue features thoughtful reflections on the last 30 years from readers, as well as past and present editors. Perhaps influenced by these pieces or by our stunning cover — or maybe it is just the changing seasons — we are in an introspective mood this month.

First discovered more than five decades ago, protein ubiquitylation has proven to be an omnipresent post-translational modification regulating virtually every eukaryotic cellular process. With novel clinical applications and recent studies demonstrating ubiquitylation of biomolecules other than proteins, the interest in ubiquitin will not waver any time soon.

January 2024 marks 30 years since we published our first volume. Throughout the upcoming year, we will be celebrating this milestone, reflecting on the road covered and looking toward the future — with the help of our readers.

As 2023 comes to an end, we take this opportunity to look back through the pages of Nature Structural & Molecular Biology and consider some of the year’s highlights.

In January 2024, Nature Structural & Molecular Biology (NSMB) will celebrate the 30^th anniversary of publishing its first issue. Though initially launched as Nature Structural Biology in 1994, the journal has since expanded its scope to include all research into the molecular underpinnings of life, with the vision that the broadest insight can be gleaned through a suite of complementary approaches.

Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of dosage compensation and how cells equalize gene expression from the sex chromosomes has interested scientists for more than six decades. However, with so many questions still unanswered, the field continues to capture the attention of researchers.

As 2021 comes to an end, we take this opportunity to look back through the pages of Nature Structural & Molecular Biology and consider some of the year’s highlights.

In the last year and a half, our lives have changed dramatically. Nature Structural & Molecular Biology has also changed. Here we share some of the positive changes that we are embracing.

We celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Protein Data Bank together with our colleagues at Nature Methods with a special collection that showcases key achievements in structural biology and views of its future.