Channel Proteins and Transporters in Human Health and Disease

Dear Colleagues,

Channel proteins and transporters; which mediate the flow of ions; water; and biomolecules across cell membranes; represent the main molecular machinery responsible for cellular functional adaptation in response to environmental stimuli. Indeed; they regulate membrane potential and cell excitability; intercellular communication and intracellular signal transduction; systemic and cellular pH; and salt and water homeostasis. Their functional expression is crucial for the proper functioning of cells; tissues; and organs; and they play a central role in cellular physiology; neuroscience; and cardiovascular research. In addition to their primary function; they have been linked to the onset of neurological/neurodegenerative disorders; cardiovascular diseases; and cancer. For instance; their dysregulation affects cell cycle dynamics; apoptosis; cell migration; vascularization; with potential dramatic consequences for cell and organ physiology and; ultimately; human health. As a result; they have gained increased attention as molecular biomarkers and promising pharmaceutical targets.

This special issue aims to illustrate new and promising findings; stimulating future research on these important proteins. Original manuscripts and reviews exploring different roles of channel proteins/transporters in various aspects of human health and disease; are welcome (e.g., new approaches to study their expression; structure; and function or current insights into molecular mechanisms of pathological dysregulation that open new avenues for therapy and drug design).

Dr. Giorgia Scarpellino
Dr. Giorgia Chinigò
Dr. Roberta De Zio
Guest Editors

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