OVERVIEWAbout Molecular Cell

Molecular Cell is a premier research journal published by Cell Press, focused on molecular biology and its implications for cellular function, human disease, and therapeutic development. Founded in 1997, the journal has built a reputation for publishing studies that illuminate molecular mechanisms with exceptional clarity and rigor. Its scope encompasses gene expression regulation, DNA replication and repair, RNA biology, protein folding and degradation, signal transduction, metabolism at the molecular level, and the molecular basis of disease. The editorial board prioritizes work that reveals new molecular principles, even in well-studied systems, and actively encourages submissions employing innovative biochemical, biophysical, and structural approaches.

2025 METRICSMolecular Cell Impact Factor & Performance Data

The 2025 Journal Citation Reports assign Molecular Cell an impact factor of 16.5, securing its Q1 ranking in the Cell Biology category. The SJR of 9.2 is particularly notable, placing Molecular Cell among the most prestigious journals in all of biology when citation quality is weighted alongside volume. The h-index of 480 reflects nearly three decades of sustained publication of highly cited research.

TRENDMolecular Cell Impact Factor History (2017–2025)

Molecular Cell’s impact factor has shown consistent strength over the past decade, settling into the 15–19 range after earlier peaks. The journal benefits from the sustained relevance of molecular biology research: studies published in Molecular Cell are frequently cited by follow-up work in diverse fields, from cancer biology to neuroscience, creating a broad citation base that insulates the journal from field-specific citation downturns.

CATEGORYCell Biology Standing

Molecular Cell ranks in the upper echelon of the Cell Biology category, trailing only Cell and Nature Cell Biology while maintaining a comfortable lead over Cell Reports (IF 7.9) and the Journal of Cell Biology (IF 7.2). Its strong SJR suggests that citations to Molecular Cell articles frequently originate from other high-impact journals, amplifying its influence within the field.

COMPARISONMolecular Cell vs. Comparable Journals

SCOPEWhat Does Molecular Cell Publish?

Molecular Cell publishes original research articles and reviews focused on molecular mechanisms in biology. Core areas include gene expression and transcriptional regulation, DNA replication, repair, and recombination, RNA biology and post-transcriptional control, protein homeostasis and quality control, cell signaling and signal transduction, molecular metabolism, epigenetics and chromatin biology, cell cycle and division, molecular basis of disease, and structural and chemical biology. The journal values mechanistic depth, innovative methodology, and studies that reveal generalizable principles applicable beyond the immediate experimental system.