Ion channels are a group of membrane proteins that allow the interchange of solutes such as sodium, potassium and calcium between the cytoplasm and the extracellular space. These proteins are not only vital to maintain intracellular homeostasis, but they also enable cells to communicate with each other and across tissues, playing pivotal roles in almost all physiological processes. As such, ion channels are one of the most important proteins in all living organisms. In humans, there is mounting evidence that demonstrates that numerous human disorders, including cystic fibrosis, hypertension, anaemia, cognitive disabilities, among others, are associated with the abnormal function or expression of ion channels, making them relevant as therapeutic targets.
Basic research in the ion channel field is relatively affordable when compared with other fields. Due to economic restrain in most Latin American countries, this has become one of the most prominent fields in basic research in the region. This phenomenon has produced many great researchers, both locally and internationally, that have contributed enormously to the understanding of ion channels.
The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight the work conducted by Latin American researchers or any researcher working in Latin American Institutions focused on the study of ion channels. We hope that this special topic will help promote Latin American researchers and institutions and help them to increase their recognition and improve their funding opportunities.
This article collection presents studies across the Pharmacology of Ion Channels and Channelopathies carried out by Latin American researchers or any researcher working in Latin American Institutions.
We welcome contributions in the form of original research, review, mini review, perspective, and both experimental and computational studies, that cover the following themes:
• Ion channel pharmacology
• Ion channels in health and disease
• Structure-function studies on ion channels
• Novel methods for drug screening on ion channels
• Ion channel trafficking and expression
• Clinical and medical case reports in channelopathies
Ion channels are a group of membrane proteins that allow the interchange of solutes such as sodium, potassium and calcium between the cytoplasm and the extracellular space. These proteins are not only vital to maintain intracellular homeostasis, but they also enable cells to communicate with each other and across tissues, playing pivotal roles in almost all physiological processes. As such, ion channels are one of the most important proteins in all living organisms. In humans, there is mounting evidence that demonstrates that numerous human disorders, including cystic fibrosis, hypertension, anaemia, cognitive disabilities, among others, are associated with the abnormal function or expression of ion channels, making them relevant as therapeutic targets.
Basic research in the ion channel field is relatively affordable when compared with other fields. Due to economic restrain in most Latin American countries, this has become one of the most prominent fields in basic research in the region. This phenomenon has produced many great researchers, both locally and internationally, that have contributed enormously to the understanding of ion channels.
The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight the work conducted by Latin American researchers or any researcher working in Latin American Institutions focused on the study of ion channels. We hope that this special topic will help promote Latin American researchers and institutions and help them to increase their recognition and improve their funding opportunities.
This article collection presents studies across the Pharmacology of Ion Channels and Channelopathies carried out by Latin American researchers or any researcher working in Latin American Institutions.
We welcome contributions in the form of original research, review, mini review, perspective, and both experimental and computational studies, that cover the following themes:
• Ion channel pharmacology
• Ion channels in health and disease
• Structure-function studies on ion channels
• Novel methods for drug screening on ion channels
• Ion channel trafficking and expression
• Clinical and medical case reports in channelopathies