Advances in Membrane Proteins: From Structure to Function and Molecular Engineering
A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomacromolecules: Proteins, Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 590
Special Issue Editors
Interests: structural analysis and functional mechanism research of membrane proteins and protein complexes by cryo-electron microscopy
Interests: membrane proteins; the structural and mechanistic investigation of physiologically and patho-physiologically important membrane proteins; key regulators for cholesterol metabolism; the heteromeric amino acid transporters
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Based on the partitioning of phospholipid membranes for water-soluble reactions, living organisms can efficiently carry out their vital activities. The formation of the membrane is widely regarded as a hallmark of the emergence of life. Lipid-constituted membranes exist in almost all phyla of organisms, ranging from viruses, archaea, to prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The transport and signal transduction conducted by membrane proteins are of high importance for the harmonious arrangement of various living activities throughout the entire life cycle. Therefore, it is evident that membrane proteins, which establish the connections between different cell compartments and facilitate communication between organisms and their environments, are indispensable for nearly all living processes.
Structural biology decodes biological questions into their chemical basis, providing fundamental insights into the chemical basis of living activities. The technological leap in cryo-EM single-particle 3D reconstruction contributes to the progress in structural research of transmembrane proteins. Structural analysis of membrane proteins is the cornerstone for a comprehensive understanding of transmembrane biological processes, such as cell development and differentiation, immune response, metabolism, osmotic and ion homeostasis, and protein folding quality control, among others. It also reveals the molecular mechanisms of host defense, plant resilience, and membrane-based reactions, including photosynthesis and the respiratory chain. Moreover, membrane protein structure research facilitates rationalized protein design and molecular engineering, paving the way for promising prospects in efficient drug delivery, environmentally friendly material development, and ecological rehabilitation. However, the prominent scientific questions surrounding membrane proteins, including substrate/ligand recognition, conformational change in transport/activation, and dynamic complex assembly, remain challenging, even with the wide application of artificial intelligence in structure prediction. In this Special Issue, we collect original research articles and reviews on the advancements in the structural and functional study of membrane proteins. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: the structural basis for the mechanisms of transmembrane living activities, new technologies and methodologies in experimental structure research and prediction, and innovation in molecular engineering and protein design.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Ximin Chi
Dr. Renhong Yan
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- membrane transport
- transmembrane signaling
- membrane protein complex
- membrane-based reactions
- membrane and protein interaction
- regulation of membrane proteins
- membrane protein design
- membrane protein engineering
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