Journal of Molecular Recognition (JMR) publishes original research papers and reviews describing molecular recognition phenomena in biology. Molecular recognition refers to non-covalent specific interaction between biomolecule and a ligand or between two or more biological molecules exemplified by receptor-ligand, antigen-antibody, DNA-protein, sugar-lectin and many other interactions. Biomolecular interactions are studied both at the structural level in terms of atomic coordinates and at the functional level in terms of kinetic and equilibrium constants. In recent years, these studies have been extended to multimacromolecular complexes and various molecular interaction networks as well as to cellular modules and arganelles. The journal will focus on studies that aim to achieve a complete description of recognition sites in terms of the structure, dynamics and activity of biomolecules.

JMR will provide a forum for research papers in the field of quantitative biomolecular interaction analysis using biosensors and other solution or surface-mediated experimental techniques including microcalorimetry, atomic force microscopy and molecular imprinting. Since the understanding of molecular recognition at a microscopic level can be aided theoretical approaches, including electrostatic analysis, and molecular dynamics and free energy simulations, these aspects will also be covered. In addition, submission of manuscripts related to the application of other instrumental methods, such as HPLC, LC-MS, CE-MS, employed in the elucidation of the biophysical basis of the pathways of molecular recognition between interacting biological molecules are encouraged.

The design, synthesis and applications of the structural or topological mimics naturally occurring molecules in the characterisation of molecular recognition processes represents a further aspect encompassed by the Journal. These technologies in conjunction with crystallography, NMR and site directed mutagenesis are providing new insights into the correlation between atomic structure and binding energy and pave the way to improved computer simulation, docking and molecular design of biologically active molecules. JMR will also publish articles on the applications of chemically and biologically generated molecular libraries to the study of biomolecular interactions and the creation of novel functions.