Commentary: Parallel evolution of Molecular Endocrinology as a journal and a discipline: convergence of interests with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK/NIH).

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) celebrates in 2010 its 60(th) year as an institute of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK has been fundamental in providing support for research in endocrinology, fostering research to elucidate basic principles of endocrine signaling leading to understanding of diseases and disorders of hormone action. Over this time span, a move to a more molecular level in understanding of the basis of hormone action has emerged and been supported by NIDDK, with many advances finding their way into a new journal, Molecular Endocrinology. The merging of disciplines that has made this possible constitutes a major force for further progress as NIDDK moves forward over the next 60 yr. Together, NIDDK and Molecular Endocrinology have served as catalysts for advancing knowledge in the field, energizing new paradigms that have led to advances in the clinic.