About this Research Topic
Ion channels are membrane proteins that control cellular excitability in cells throughout the body. Channels are formed by macromolecular complexes including a central pore-forming protein and any of a number of interacting proteins. Binding of interacting proteins to ion channels can directly activate the channel, help localize channels to subcellular domains, alter channel function in a tissue dependent manner, anchor regulatory proteins, and help create local signaling domains. In addition, tissue specific variation in the abundance of interacting partners can impart unique electrophysiological consequences that allow channels to take on different roles in different systems. Discovering and characterizing the emerging plethora of interacting partners is crucial in determining the physiological and pathological roles that ion channels play and will provide much-needed clues on how to correct aberrant behavior with pharmacological agents. This research topic continues to grow with new partners for both ligand- and voltage-gated channels unearthed in recent years. Further, recent advances in biophysical techniques such as cryo-EM and other imaging modalities have allowed for a better structural understanding of channel complexes that provide insight into critical aspects of channel function. This research topic will combine reviews of the latest insight into ion channel complexes with original reports that explore the impact of formation of these complexes on physiologically relevant function. Work exploring the biophysical coupling of these complexes is also encouraged.
We welcome submissions related to but not limited to the following topics:
• Characterization of known and novel interacting partners on ion channel function in all aspects
• Explorations of binding sites, inter- or intra-molecular interactions, and macromolecular structure of ion channel complexes
• Characterization of ion channel coupling to second messenger and other signaling pathways
• Ion channel complexes that give them unique functions independent of their ion-conducting roles
• Exploration of channel interacting partners on channel pharmacology
• Study of ion channel clustering and local signaling domains, possibly initiated by interacting partners
We welcome submissions related to but not limited to the following topics:
• Characterization of known and novel interacting partners on ion channel function in all aspects
• Explorations of binding sites, inter- or intra-molecular interactions, and macromolecular structure of ion channel complexes
• Characterization of ion channel coupling to second messenger and other signaling pathways
• Ion channel complexes that give them unique functions independent of their ion-conducting roles
• Exploration of channel interacting partners on channel pharmacology
• Study of ion channel clustering and local signaling domains, possibly initiated by interacting partners
Keywords: Ion Channel, Accessory Protein, Ion Channel Regulation, Structural Biology
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
