Membrane Proteins of Urinary System in Physiology, Pathobiology and Medicine

Dear Colleagues,

Membrane proteins including aquaporins, ion transporters, and ion channels in renal epithelial tissues are functional entities involved in the secretion and reabsorption of water and both inorganic and organic substances, playing a crucial role in water and ion homeostasis in the mammalian body. Many drugs targeting these molecules are an important component of modern medical care. Recently, new agents directly or indirectly modulating the function of renal aquaporins or transporters have emerged as therapeutic drugs for patients with kidney diseases (e.g., tolvaptan for polycystic kidney disease) and diabetes mellitus (SGLT2 inhibitor). Furthermore, over the last decade, membrane proteins and their related RNAs (mainly noncoding RNAs) in the extracellular vesicles, especially exosomes, released from epithelia of the urinary system have been attracting attention in view of their potential use as novel biomarkers for urologic diseases including kidney diseases, and prostate and bladder problems.

This Special Issue welcomes original research and review papers addressing every aspect of renal epithelial aquaporins, ion transporters, and ion channels, including their function, regulation, and potential utility in medicine. This issue is also open to submission of original research and review articles on the biological and medical aspects of extracellular vesicles.

Prof. Masahiro Ikeda
Dr. Sang-Ho Kwon
Guest Editors

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