Last Updated on July 1, 2026 by Dr. Bhagat
JOURNAL METRICS·Updated June 2026
Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology Impact Factor 2025 is 118.0 (Q1, Cell Biology, SCIE). Ranked #1 out of ~194 journals. Published by Springer Nature since 2000. Median first decision: 14 days. Acceptance rate ~5-10%. Full JCR data, desk rejection analysis, and submission guide.
Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology is a premier review journal published by Springer Nature, delivering authoritative, high-impact coverage of molecular biology, cell biology, gene regulation, cellular signaling, protein biology, and molecular mechanisms. With an Impact Factor of 118.0 (Q1, Cell Biology), it ranks among the most influential publications in its field.
Key Takeaways
- Impact Factor 118.0 — Q1 ranking in Cell Biology
- Published by Springer Nature (United Kingdom)
- ISSN: 1471-0072 | eISSN: 1471-0080
- Publishes comprehensive review articles, perspective pieces, and opinion articles
- Subscription/open access hybrid model with open access options
- Monthly publication frequency
- Editorial emphasis on clinical translation and mechanistic depth
OVERVIEWAbout Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology
Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology was launched to provide the biomedical community with definitive, timely review articles that integrate mechanistic insights with clinical applications. The journal covers molecular biology, cell biology, gene regulation, cellular signaling, protein biology, and molecular mechanisms, making it essential reading for molecular biologists, cell biologists, and biochemists.
Under Springer Nature’s editorial direction, the journal maintains stringent peer review standards and publishes only the most significant advances. Each article undergoes rigorous evaluation by field experts to ensure scientific accuracy, balance, and clinical relevance.
The journal particularly emphasizes articles bridging basic discovery and clinical practice, prioritizing contributions with clear translational implications for patient care or therapeutic development.
IMPACT METRICSNature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology Impact Factor 118.0
The journal’s latest Impact Factor is 118.0, placing it in Q1 within Cell Biology. This metric reflects the journal’s sustained influence in shaping research directions and clinical practice.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2025) | 118.0 |
| JCR Quartile | Q1 |
| Category | Cell Biology |
| Total Citations | 83,533 |
| SCIE Index | Yes |
The Impact Factor is calculated as citations received in 2025 to articles published in 2023–2024, divided by citable items published in 2023–2024.
PUBLISHER INFOPublisher and Publication Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Springer Nature |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| ISSN | 1471-0072 |
| eISSN | 1471-0080 |
| Language | English |
| Access Model | Subscription/Open Access hybrid |
| Publication Frequency | Monthly |
Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology is published monthly by Springer Nature. The hybrid access model allows authors to choose traditional subscription publishing or make their articles immediately open access via the Springer Nature Open Choice program.
SCOPEJournal Scope and Subject Coverage
The journal publishes comprehensive reviews, perspectives, and opinion articles spanning molecular biology, cell biology, gene regulation, cellular signaling, protein biology, and molecular mechanisms. The editorial scope encompasses:
- Mechanistic reviews on disease pathogenesis and cellular processes
- Translational research bridging laboratory findings to clinical applications
- Therapeutic advances and emerging treatment strategies
- Technological innovations and methodological developments
- Clinical guidelines and evidence-based practice summaries
- Controversies and emerging topics in the field
SUBMISSION GUIDEAuthor Guidelines and Submission Process
Most articles in Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology are commissioned by the editorial team. However, unsolicited proposals are also considered. Prospective authors should submit a presubmission inquiry including a structured abstract, outline, and brief author biography.
Commissioned and accepted articles typically undergo:
- Initial editorial review and scope assessment
- Peer review by 2–3 independent experts in the field
- Revision based on reviewer and editor feedback
- Final acceptance and production editing
Manuscripts must be written in clear, concise English and follow the journal’s formatting guidelines. All submissions are handled through Springer Nature’s online editorial system.
EDITORIALEditorial Standards and Peer Review
The journal employs a comprehensive peer review process. Each manuscript is evaluated by field specialists for scientific accuracy, novelty, balance, and clinical relevance. Reviewers assess methodological soundness, data interpretation, and the significance of conclusions.
Editorial decisions are based on:
- Scientific rigor and methodological quality
- Novelty and significance of findings
- Clinical relevance and translational potential
- Balance and comprehensiveness of coverage
- Quality of presentation and clarity
INDEXINGAbstracting and Indexing Coverage
Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology is indexed in all major scientific databases, ensuring comprehensive discoverability of published research:
- Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE)
- PubMed/MEDLINE
- Scopus
- Google Scholar
- Embase
- Current Contents/Clinical Medicine
- BIOSIS Previews
AUDIENCETarget Readership
The primary readership includes molecular biologists, cell biologists, and biochemists. The journal also attracts pharmaceutical scientists, biotechnology professionals, and healthcare policy makers seeking authoritative summaries of current research and clinical developments.
ETHICSEthics and Open Science Practices
Authors must adhere to Springer Nature’s publication ethics policies. Requirements include disclosure of conflicts of interest, ethical approval for research involving human subjects or animals, and deposition of supporting data in appropriate repositories.
The journal supports open science through:
- Optional open access publication via Open Choice
- Mandatory data availability statements
- Support for preprint posting policies
- Transparent reporting guidelines
APC POLICYArticle Processing Charges
For authors choosing open access, the Article Processing Charge (APC) is approximately GBP 3,490 (approximately USD 4,400). Subscription articles incur no author fees. Fee waivers and discounts may be available for authors from low-income countries.
TIMELINEPublication Timeline and Review Duration
Initial editorial decisions are typically rendered within 2–4 weeks of submission. The peer review process generally takes 4–8 weeks. Production and online publication occur 4–6 weeks after acceptance.
| Stage | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial editorial review | 1–2 weeks |
| Peer review | 4–8 weeks |
| Revision period | 2–4 weeks |
| Production and publication | 4–6 weeks |
RANKINGJournal Ranking and Competitiveness
With an Impact Factor of 118.0 and a Q1 ranking in Cell Biology, Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology is among the most competitive review journals in its discipline. Authors should ensure their manuscripts represent definitive, comprehensive coverage of high-priority topics.
METRICSAdditional Bibliometric Indicators
| Indicator | Value / Status |
|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 118.0 |
| JCR Quartile | Q1 |
| SCIE Indexed | Yes |
| Publisher | Springer Nature |
| Total Citations | 83,533 |
| Access Model | Hybrid (Subscription + Open Access) |
TRENDSCitation Trends and Impact Trajectory
Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology has maintained consistently high citation impact. Its review-focused publishing model ensures articles accumulate substantial citations over time. The journal’s emphasis on timely, clinically relevant topics positions it for continued influence.
SIMILAR JOURNALSRelated Journals and Alternatives
Researchers may also consider these related publications:
- Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology
- Nature Reviews Endocrinology
- Nature Reviews Cancer
- Nature Reviews Neuroscience
- Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology
- Nature Reviews Drug Discovery
CITATION TOOLSHow to Cite This Journal
Standard citation format for Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology:
Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. Springer Nature. ISSN: 1471-0072. Available at: https://www.nature.com/nri/ (accessed [date]).
FREQUENTLY ASKEDFAQ
What is the Impact Factor of Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology?
The Impact Factor is 118.0 (Q1, Cell Biology), reflecting its status as a leading review journal.
Who publishes Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology?
The journal is published by Springer Nature, a leading global research publisher headquartered in the United Kingdom.
Is Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology SCIE indexed?
Yes, the journal is indexed in Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, and other major databases.
What is the ISSN of Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology?
The print ISSN is 1471-0072 and the electronic ISSN (eISSN) is 1471-0080.
What is the APC for Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology?
The open access Article Processing Charge is approximately GBP 3,490 (approximately USD 4,400). No fees apply for subscription publishing.
What is the acceptance rate of Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology?
As a review journal, most articles are commissioned by the editors. The acceptance rate for unsolicited proposals is competitive, typically below 15%.
