Membrane Proteins: New Insights into Structure, Dynamics and Functions

Dear Colleagues,

The study of membrane proteins and their interactions with lipids is at the forefront of modern biology, offering critical insights into cellular processes and the molecular basis of diseases. However, the inherent complexity of membrane proteins, their low solubility, and the dynamic role of lipids in modulating their structure and function present significant challenges for researchers. Recent advancements in solubilization techniques, nanodisc technologies, and synthetic and genetic manipulation have opened new avenues for studying these complex systems with unprecedented precision. 

In parallel, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is revolutionizing the field of membrane protein research. These technologies enable the prediction of protein structures, lipid interactions, and functional behaviors, while also accelerating the design of novel solubilization strategies and experimental workflows. Furthermore, new screening tools and innovative ideas are emerging to support the study of membrane proteins, including high-throughput approaches for identifying lipid–protein interactions, advanced imaging techniques, and automated systems for analyzing membrane protein stability and function. By combining experimental innovations, computational approaches, and novel screening tools, researchers can tackle longstanding challenges in membrane biology more effectively. 

This Special Issue aims to showcase cutting-edge developments in methodologies for solubilizing membrane proteins, the application of nanodisc technologies, and the exploration of lipid–protein interactions. It will also highlight the transformative role of AI and machine learning in advancing our understanding of membrane proteins and their interactions with lipids. Furthermore, the Issue will explore the potential of synthetic and genetic tools to manipulate biological systems and provide insights into the structural and functional roles of lipids. By bringing together innovative research in these areas, this Issue seeks to advance our understanding of membrane biology and its implications for health, disease, and biotechnology. 

We invite both original research articles and comprehensive review papers that address, but are not limited to, the following topics: 

• Development of novel solubilization methods for membrane proteins;
• Advances in nanodisc technologies for structural and functional studies; 
• Synthetic and genetic manipulation of membrane protein systems; 
• The impact of lipid composition on membrane protein structure and function;
• New membrane protein structures; 
• Lipid–protein interactions and their role in cellular processes; 
• Applications of membrane protein studies in drug discovery and biotechnology; 
• AI and machine learning approaches for membrane protein structure prediction; 
• Computational modeling of lipid–protein interactions; 
• AI-driven experimental design for solubilization and functional studies; 
• Integration of experimental and computational methods in membrane biology; 
• Development of new screening tools for membrane protein stability, function, and lipid interactions; 
• High-throughput approaches for studying lipid–protein interactions.

Dr. Matthew Coleman
Dr. Yosuke Senju
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Membranes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• membrane proteins
• solubilization methods
• nanodisc technologies
• lipid–protein interactions
• synthetic biology
• genetic manipulation
• structural biology
• functional studies
• artificial intelligence
• machine learning
• computational biology
• screening tools
• high-throughput methods