Membrane Proteins: Structure, Function, and Drug Discovery
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 1115
Special Issue Editor
Interests: chaperone; olfaction; structural biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Membrane protein research is critical for understanding fundamental cellular processes and advancing therapeutic strategies. Membrane proteins, such as receptors, ion channels, and transporters, are essential for a wide range of physiological functions, including signal transduction, nutrient uptake, and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. When these proteins malfunction, they can contribute to various diseases. As a result, membrane proteins are vital targets for drug discovery, particularly G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels, which are central to many modern therapies.
Recent advances in structural biology, including cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and computational modeling, have significantly enhanced our understanding of the detailed mechanisms underlying membrane protein function. These breakthroughs also facilitate the design of more targeted and effective drugs.
Additionally, understanding how membrane proteins interact with lipids and their surrounding environment is crucial for elucidating their roles in disease and developing more precise therapies.
In summary, research on membrane proteins is foundational to both basic biology and the development of novel medical treatments, with broad implications for human health and disease management.
Prof. Dr. Masafumi Yohda
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- ion channel
- GPCR (G-protein-coupled receptor)
- membrane transporters
- signal transduction
- membrane lipids
- cryo-EM (cryo-electron microscopy)
- membrane protein folding
- membrane rafts
- reconstitution
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