About this Research Topic
Almost half a century ago, the study of cellular electrophysiology was enlightened with the discovery of ionic currents in mitochondria. Delivering insight into these currents were two fundamental scientific methods - reconstitution of sub-mitochondrial particles into artificial lipid membrane and patch-clamp of mitoplast, also known as swollen mitochondria. Since the first current measurements, significant strides have been made in understanding the properties, functions, and diverse spectrum of mitochondrial ion channels. Our understanding of these channels is not just limited to the different types of potassium channels types of potassium channels, the calcium uniporter, mitochondrial permeability transition pore, various forms of chloride/anion channels including voltage-dependent anion channel. But it is a fascinating journey from the very beginning of the measurements to the current knowledge of the plethora of ion channels, reached by the combination of mitochondrial electrophysiology with up-to-date methodological approaches. Ever more so roles of these ion channels appear in physiological and/or pathological processes, even though the molecular identity of some of them remains elusive.
This Research Topic focuses on how mitochondrial electrophysiology has progressed, from simple description of ionic current, to studies that provide a very detailed and specific insights into channel regulation, function, or structure, using targeted site-specific mutations of channels or by illuminating on the interaction of the channels with specific drug. Several types of channels present in the mitochondrial membranes are now well known, most of them at the genetic level. Indeed, mutations of mitochondrial channels are recognized as the underpinnings of many pathologies.
The electrophysiological measurements can provide novel assessment into the role of altered mitochondrial function caused by mutations of the ion channels, and this knowledge can help in the search for drugs that could revert the alterations in channel properties. However, mitochondrial electrophysiology faces inherent methodological challenges, both in terms of sample preparation and experimental setup.
In this Research Topic, potential areas of interest may include, but are not limited to:
- A retrospection of the first electrophysiological experiments on mitochondria
- Structural and functional considerations when investigating ion channels utilizing mitochondrial electrophysiology
- Understanding ion channel mutations and their impact on mitochondrial electrophysiology
- Delving into the significance of varying mitochondrial ion channels in the context of physiological and pathological states
- Acknowledging technical challenges faced during mitochondrial electrophysiology studies
- A critical evaluation of electrophysiological techniques applied to inspect mitochondrial channels
- An inclusive overview of the advantages and limitations of mitochondrial electrophysiology
- Structural insights in the functioning and membrane arrangement of mitochondrial channels
- Demonstrated or putative roles of mitochondrial channels in the bioenergetics pathways.
Prof. Vito De Pinto is stockholder of a start up spinoff of University of Catania (weMitobiotech).
The other Topic Editors declare no conflict of interest.
This Research Topic focuses on how mitochondrial electrophysiology has progressed, from simple description of ionic current, to studies that provide a very detailed and specific insights into channel regulation, function, or structure, using targeted site-specific mutations of channels or by illuminating on the interaction of the channels with specific drug. Several types of channels present in the mitochondrial membranes are now well known, most of them at the genetic level. Indeed, mutations of mitochondrial channels are recognized as the underpinnings of many pathologies.
The electrophysiological measurements can provide novel assessment into the role of altered mitochondrial function caused by mutations of the ion channels, and this knowledge can help in the search for drugs that could revert the alterations in channel properties. However, mitochondrial electrophysiology faces inherent methodological challenges, both in terms of sample preparation and experimental setup.
In this Research Topic, potential areas of interest may include, but are not limited to:
- A retrospection of the first electrophysiological experiments on mitochondria
- Structural and functional considerations when investigating ion channels utilizing mitochondrial electrophysiology
- Understanding ion channel mutations and their impact on mitochondrial electrophysiology
- Delving into the significance of varying mitochondrial ion channels in the context of physiological and pathological states
- Acknowledging technical challenges faced during mitochondrial electrophysiology studies
- A critical evaluation of electrophysiological techniques applied to inspect mitochondrial channels
- An inclusive overview of the advantages and limitations of mitochondrial electrophysiology
- Structural insights in the functioning and membrane arrangement of mitochondrial channels
- Demonstrated or putative roles of mitochondrial channels in the bioenergetics pathways.
Prof. Vito De Pinto is stockholder of a start up spinoff of University of Catania (weMitobiotech).
The other Topic Editors declare no conflict of interest.
Keywords: mitochondria, ion channels, mitochondrial electrophysiology, methods and applications in mitochondrial electrophysiology, ion channel mutations
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