About this Research Topic

Background

Ion channels and transporters are integral to maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating a range of physiological processes. Understanding their physiological roles and dysfunctions in disease states requires a deep understanding of the interplay between protein structure and function in their native environments. Recent advancements in research methodologies have provided novel insights into the structure and function of these proteins, offering greater mechanistic detail and physiological context.

Over the past decade, single-molecule imaging of integral membrane proteins in re-constructed lipid bilayers has undergone a 'resolution revolution', allowing for the correlation of structural data with functional information. This advance has facilitated a deeper understanding of ion channel and transporter function, and new insights into their modulation by drugs. Following these advancements, further exploration into the physiological roles of these important membrane proteins is essential, particularly in the context of disease, and innovative methods to identify new drug binding sites are needed.

This research topic aims to investigate and highlight several emerging approaches that have transformed the study of ion channels and transporters. The goal is to explore the latest advancements and techniques that offer a deeper understanding of these important membrane proteins and their roles as therapeutic targets in various pathologies. Specific questions include how structural data from single-molecule imaging can elucidate functional transitions in ion channel and transporter proteins, and how chip-based high throughput systems can identify modulators of their function in native cells.

Additionally, new research will test novel hypotheses on the use of antibodies for investigating and modulating the structure and function of ion channels and transporters. Other studies will deepen our understanding of allosteric modulation in channels and transporters by clinically relevant molecules. This exploration will also include studies on prokaryotic channels, whose stability and high expression yields facilitate essential biophysical studies. Moreover, prokaryotic ion channels, with high homology to their eukaryotic counterparts, can act as a foundation to explore important molecular mechanisms, potentially leading to the development of drugs with greater specificity and fewer side effects.

To gain further insights into the physiological roles and therapeutic potential of ion channels and transporters, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Use of structural data from single-molecule imaging to elucidate functional transitions in ion channel and transporter proteins and to direct drug design.

- Advanced electrophysiological techniques and chip-based high-throughput systems to uncover modulators of ion channel and transporter functions in native and model systems.

- Development and application of subtype- and conformation-specific antibodies to precisely alter and understand the functions of ion channel and transporter proteins.

- Integration of cell sorting technology into excitable cell physiology.

- Functional studies and computational methods including virtual screening assays, molecular docking techniques, and molecular dynamics simulations.

- Use of organ or tissue-based 3D systems to study ion channels and transporter proteins.
- Transgenic approaches to studying ion channels and transporters in disease.

- Investigative reports on both eukaryotic and prokaryotic ion channel and transporter models to highlight analogies and specificities that inform allosteric modulation processes.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: ion channels, transporters, Single-Molecule Imaging, Allosteric Modulation, Drug Design

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.

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