About this Research Topic
Membrane pores, channels, and transporters are critical components in cellular physiology, playing essential roles in the regulation of ion and molecule passage across biological membranes. Despite significant advancements in understanding their structure and function, several questions remain unanswered. Current research has provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying membrane permeation and translocation, yet the precise dynamics and interactions of these proteins within various biological contexts are still not fully elucidated. Recent studies have employed advanced techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations to reveal detailed structural information and dynamic behaviors. However, there is a pressing need for comprehensive reviews that synthesize these findings, address existing gaps, and propose new avenues for investigation.
This research topic aims to compile high-quality review articles that highlight recent advances in the study of membrane pores, channels, and transporters. The objective is to provide a thorough understanding of their roles in physiology, their structural and dynamic properties, and their interactions within different biological systems. By addressing these aspects, the collection seeks to answer critical questions and test hypotheses related to the molecular mechanisms of membrane transport processes.
To gather further insights into the complexities of membrane pores, channels, and transporters, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Roles of membrane pores, channels, receptors, and transporters in physiology, systems, and regulation
• The correlation of membrane protein structures and dynamics to the molecular mechanisms that carry out membrane permeation and translocation
• The elucidation of their inter- and intra-molecular interactions in tissue, cells, native membranes, reconstituted systems, and model systems
• Molecular dynamics or systems simulation of any of the above-mentioned aspects
New articles will be added to this collection as they are published, ensuring a continuously updated resource for researchers in the field.
This research topic aims to compile high-quality review articles that highlight recent advances in the study of membrane pores, channels, and transporters. The objective is to provide a thorough understanding of their roles in physiology, their structural and dynamic properties, and their interactions within different biological systems. By addressing these aspects, the collection seeks to answer critical questions and test hypotheses related to the molecular mechanisms of membrane transport processes.
To gather further insights into the complexities of membrane pores, channels, and transporters, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Roles of membrane pores, channels, receptors, and transporters in physiology, systems, and regulation
• The correlation of membrane protein structures and dynamics to the molecular mechanisms that carry out membrane permeation and translocation
• The elucidation of their inter- and intra-molecular interactions in tissue, cells, native membranes, reconstituted systems, and model systems
• Molecular dynamics or systems simulation of any of the above-mentioned aspects
New articles will be added to this collection as they are published, ensuring a continuously updated resource for researchers in the field.
Keywords: Membrane pores, channels, transporters, ion regulation, molecule passage, cryo-electron microscopy, molecular dynamics, structural information, physiological roles, protein interactions.
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.
