Ion Channels: Therapeutic Targets for Neurological Disease

Ion channels are pore-forming membrane proteins that allow selected ions to pass through the cell membrane. Ion channel gating can be controlled by many different factors, including changes in membrane potential, ligand binding, or mechanical stimuli. Ion channels are widely present in neurons and play a key role in regulating neural electrical signals. Activating them at the right time and in the right order is the key to their physiological functions. Genetic mutations that alter ion channel function can cause various inherited diseases such as epilepsy, cancer, and pain. Thus, ion channels are important and promising therapeutic targets for neurological diseases, one of the leading causes of death in the world.

We therefore invite investigators in the ion channel field to share their original research and review work to this Research Topic. Any new findings related to ion channel gating mechanisms and strategies for treating ion-channel associated diseases are welcome. Potential topics include, but are not limited to;

1. Ion channel gating and regulation mechanisms.
2. Case reports on ion channel variants that directly or indirectly lead to diseases.
3. Drug development targeting ion channels in neuronal systems.
4. New techniques or methods for detecting and analyzing neuron physiology.
5. Reviews that focus on the current stages of neuroscience research and drug development for neurological disease.