About this Research Topic
Metalloids affect living organisms in various ways. B, Si and Se have either essential or important functions in most organisms including humans. In contrast, As, Sb, Te and Ge are highly toxic and exposure can cause a range of human diseases. Also essential elements like B and Se are toxic when present in high concentrations. As and Sb have a long history of usage as chemotherapeutic agents and are important constituents of currently used pharmacological drugs. The impact of metalloids on the environment, agriculture and human health underscores the importance of elucidating toxicity and tolerance mechanisms.
The aim of this Research Topic is to bring together articles of the type Original Research, Methods, Hypothesis & Theory, Reviews and Perspectives that highlight the molecular mechanisms of metalloid transport, toxicity and tolerance. Contributions may focus on these mechanisms in individual cells or whole organisms including microbes, plants, parasites and mammals. Contributions that deal with the pathophysiology of metalloids, the use of metalloids in medical therapy as well as environmental aspects including phytoremediation are also welcome. We are convinced that this Research Topic is a timely milestone in this exciting and rapidly growing field, and be of great interest to a broad readership.
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.