PCCP is delighted to announce a high-profile themed issue on Nucleic Acid Simulations, Guest Edited by Professor Modesto Orozco (Barcelona) and Professor Charles Laughton (Nottingham). The issue is scheduled for publication in November 2009. It is our pleasure to invite you to submit to this themed issue.  

Nucleic acids (NA) are key components of the cellular machinery and among the most intriguing molecules in living organisms. Recently the first microsecond molecular dynamics simulation of one full turn of DNA has been published, illustrating that the possibility of extending MD to more biologically relevant time scales is realistic. The last few years have witnessed the development of mesoscopic models which combine the level of resolution of atomistic models with the ability of macroscopic models to deal with very large molecular systems. The area of NA simulation is now defined by this multiscaling approach and by the need to derive results of direct biological relevance. 

In view of the exciting recent progress in this area, we feel a landmark themed issue providing a "snapshot" of recent developments in this field would be both timely and important. We intend the issue to cover the entire methodological field, from QM calculations on small systems to full-genome calculations. It will cover also a full spectrum of applications: nucleobase interactions, biotechnological applications of DNA, NA deformability, NA functionality, NA damage and repair, NA recognition, synthetic NA analogues, and so on.

Deadline for Submission: 01 June 2009  

Submissions, either communications or full papers, should be high-quality manuscripts of original, unpublished research, containing important new physical insight. 

All submissions will be subject to rigorous peer review to meet the usual high standards of PCCP. 

Manuscripts can be submitted using the ReSourCe web submissions service or as an email attachment to the PCCP Editorial Office. Please indicate on submission that your manuscript is intended for this themed issue.