BMC Structural Biology was a peer‑reviewed, open‑access scientific journal published by BioMed Central (BMC), a part of the Springer Nature group. The journal focused on research in the field of structural biology, encompassing studies on the three‑dimensional architecture of biological macromolecules, the methods used to determine these structures (e.g., X‑ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, cryo‑electron microscopy), and the functional implications of structural data.
History and Scope
- Launch: The journal was launched in 2001 as part of BMC’s expanding portfolio of open‑access journals.
- Subject Coverage: Articles addressed experimental and computational approaches to elucidating macromolecular structures, structure–function relationships, protein engineering, molecular modelling, and related bioinformatics tools.
- Audience: The journal targeted researchers in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, computational biology, and related disciplines.
Publication Model
- Open Access: All articles were made freely available online under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC‑BY).
- Article Processing Charges (APCs): Authors (or their institutions) were required to pay APCs to cover publication costs, consistent with BMC’s open‑access model.
Indexing and Impact
- The journal was indexed in major bibliographic databases, including PubMed, PubMed Central, Scopus, and the Web of Science.
- It received a modest impact factor during its active years, reflecting its niche focus within the broader structural biology community.
Discontinuation
- Ceased Publication: BMC Structural Biology discontinued new article submissions in 2014, with the final issue released in early 2015.
- Archival Access: All previously published articles remain accessible through the BMC website and repositories such as PubMed Central.
- Successor Integration: Content and author community were subsequently redirected to other BMC journals covering related topics, such as BMC Molecular and Cell Biology and BMC Genomics, to consolidate the open‑access portfolio.
Editorial Structure
- The journal operated under an editorial board composed of experts in various sub‑fields of structural biology.
- Manuscripts underwent a standard peer‑review process to ensure scientific rigor and relevance.
Legacy
Although it no longer accepts submissions, BMC Structural Biology contributed to the dissemination of open scientific knowledge in structural biology during its operational period and provided a platform for methodological advances that continue to influence current research practices.
