About this Research Topic
Ion channels allow ions to pass through cell membrane and are essential for a host of cell functions in many organs. Due to localization in primary sensory neurons and other key structures in pain processing, ion channel is regarded as a major class of drug targets for modulating pain sensation and controlling chronic pain. Among these channels, sodium channels, calcium channels, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, PIEZO and purinergic P2X3 channels have been reported to relieve pain. Piezo2 mediates inflammation- and nerve injury-induced sensitized mechanical pain, and suggest that targeting PIEZO2 might be an effective strategy for treating mechanical allodynia. Clinical studies of P2X3 have shown promise in treatment for bladder pain and pain associated with osteoarthritis. Further investigation of the mechanisms of ion channel that are related to nociception could be key in developing a new class of therapeutics for many diseases.
Among the Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs, 18% of drugs targeting human receptors are targeted ion channels. Ziconotide is licensed for severe, intractable, and chronic cancer and non-malignant pain. Dermal patches containing 8% capsaicin (NGX-4010) are currently approved in the European Union for various forms of peripheral neuropathic pain. This Research Topic will shed light on their diverse mechanisms of ion channels in pain, and provide new strategies of treatment.
The Research Topic will cover, but is not limited to the following:
• The fundamentals of ion channels, in terms of function, modelling, regulation, molecular biology, trafficking, structure, and pharmacology in pain.
• The agonists of ion channels associated with pain, their interaction mechanisms, their applications in treating pain.
Among the Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs, 18% of drugs targeting human receptors are targeted ion channels. Ziconotide is licensed for severe, intractable, and chronic cancer and non-malignant pain. Dermal patches containing 8% capsaicin (NGX-4010) are currently approved in the European Union for various forms of peripheral neuropathic pain. This Research Topic will shed light on their diverse mechanisms of ion channels in pain, and provide new strategies of treatment.
The Research Topic will cover, but is not limited to the following:
• The fundamentals of ion channels, in terms of function, modelling, regulation, molecular biology, trafficking, structure, and pharmacology in pain.
• The agonists of ion channels associated with pain, their interaction mechanisms, their applications in treating pain.
Keywords: ion channel, function, modeling, regulation, trafficking, Pain, Drug
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