Basic Science and Translational Research: Title and subTitle BreakCall for Papers

From bench to bedside, from concept to clinical application, and from discovery to dissemination, translating novel scientific insights into new approaches for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease is the ultimate goal of medical research. Today, with the sequencing of the human genome and the unprecedented levels of private and public support for basic and clinical research, opportunities for discoveries and progress in biomedical science have never been greater.¹

Advances in medical research result from a series of interrelated and interdependent steps involving basic scientists, applied researchers, and clinical investigators. This translational research process includes verification of basic hypotheses and observations with in vitro studies, confirmation in animal experiments and perhaps refinement with biomathematical modeling, and clinical testing in phase 1 and phase 2 investigations, and ultimately phase 3 trials.^{2 - 3} Likewise, ideas and observations from the clinic can be brought to the laboratory or to a more basic level of the translational research hierarchy for further investigation.² The multidisciplinary nature of translational research⁴ provides the potential for virtually unlimited discovery in medical research, ranging from highly focused basic science findings that bridge important knowledge gaps about fundamental mechanisms of disease to individually tailored preventive and therapeutic strategies.⁵

Physicians have a responsibility to remain aware of current advances in biomedical science and to understand the application of promising new ideas to clinical medicine. In the past, THE JOURNAL seldom published articles on preclinical research, having focused instead on clinically relevant studies that had fairly immediate application in practice. While our intention is generally to maintain that focus, the recent explosion of basic science discoveries and the importance of the appropriate translation of these findings to clinical settings should command the attention of physicians. To increase awareness among physicians and other health professionals about recent scientific discoveries and promising ideas and advances in biomedical research, JAMA will publish a theme issue devoted to basic science and translational research in March 2002.

We invite authors to submit manuscripts for consideration for publication in this theme issue on basic science discoveries and innovative research findings that encompass the continuum of translational research. High-quality original research papers, especially novel findings that represent major scientific advances for common diseases, will receive highest priority. Manuscripts reporting advances in basic biomedical science, especially in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology, immunology, and physiology, are welcome. We encourage submission of papers reporting discoveries that enhance understanding of the pathogenesis, etiology, natural history, underlying mechanisms, and molecular basis of disease, as well as studies that present innovative applications of new technologies, such as bioinformatics, pharmacogenetics, proteomics, functional imaging, and surrogate markers. Dose-escalation studies involving new drugs or efficacy studies of novel therapeutic agents, approaches, or interventions are of interest. We also invite scholarly papers discussing opportunities, challenges, and ethical issues related to basic science and translational research.

We look forward to receiving manuscripts for consideration for publication in this theme issue. Submitted manuscripts are subject to our usual rigorous editorial evaluation and peer review. Articles accepted for publication but not included in the theme issue will be published in other issues of THE JOURNAL. High-quality manuscripts not accepted by JAMA may, with the authors' permission, be referred to one of the Archives specialty journals for further consideration for publication. Authors are encouraged to consult the JAMA Instructions for Authors⁶ for guidelines on manuscript preparation and submission. Manuscripts received before November 1, 2001, will have the best chance of acceptance for the theme issue.

We welcome manuscripts on basic science and translational research in the spirit of advancing the best science into the best patient care. We look forward to sharing this experience and this important information with authors, readers, and the biomedical research and scientific community.