Getting Molecules across Cellular Membranes: Transporters, Channels and Pores

Dear Colleagues,

Cellular membranes are central for maintaining cellular integrity and homeostasis, as well as for intra- and inter-cellular communication and exchange with the environment. They are composed of lipid bilayers that act as a tight, impermeable barrier and allow only the passive diffusion of small and moderately polar molecules. Yet, there is a constant flux of ions and bigger molecules across the plasma membrane (PM) and intracellular membranes delimiting organelles, such as mitochondria. To ensure the selective and controlled passage of substances, including large nutrients and signalling proteins, cellular membranes rely on the presence of transmembrane proteins. These include transporters, channels and pores. Transporters require conformational changes to allow the solute bound on one site to exit the opposite site of the membrane. In contrast, channels control solute traffic by stabilizing an open or closed conformation. Finally, pores are defined as open structures generally allowing the non-selective passage of molecules smaller than the pore's size. Interestingly, bacteria and viruses make use of pore-forming toxins (PFTs) to create pores on the PM of target cells to allow the intracellular transport of toxins or genetic material. However, cells can also create pores on the membranes of pathogens to kill them and, importantly, on their own membranes to allow the passage of signalling molecules that initiate downstream pathways, such as inflammation and cell death.

In this Special Issue, we will welcome both reviews and research articles that provide an overview of the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms, the structure and the function of different peptides and proteins that channel molecules across cellular membranes. We will also welcome contributions highlighting biomedical applications of these proteins, as well as innovative methods for their characterization, including, but not limited to, single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy and cryo-EM.

Dr. Katia Cosentino
Guest Editor

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