The realm of ion channels and transporters is ever-expanding, with new research highlighting non-canonical roles for both the ion-conducting channels themselves and their non-conducting auxiliary subunits, moving beyond traditional plasma membrane functions. This Research Topic aims to capture these exciting, novel functions, including their critical involvement in cellular signaling, mechanotransduction, complex protein-protein interactions, metabolic regulation, and their influence on gene expression or epigenetic modulation. We eagerly invite submission of various article types, including but not limited to Original Research, Review, and Perspectives articles that shed light on the molecular mechanisms, physiological relevance, and pathophysiological impact of these unconventional functions.
We invite submissions covering a broad range of topics, including but not limited to:
1. Flux-Independent & Conformational Signaling: Mechanisms by which ion channels or their subunits act as sensors to initiate signal transduction cascades, independent of ion flow. 2. The Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Channel Axis: Studies on ion channel trafficking, regulated proteolysis, and the novel roles of channel fragments or subunits in nuclear signaling and gene expression. 3. Metabolic & Organelle Homeostasis: Novel intracellular (mitochondrial, lysosomal, or other) roles of ion channels and transporters in the lipid, and energy metabolism and in organelle function. 4. Non-Conducting & Scaffolding Functions: Molecular dissection of ion channel or auxiliary subunits that act as standalone adhesion molecules, signaling adaptors, or scaffolds. 5. Channels in Cellular Microenvironment Sensing: The role of ion channels in sensing and responding to mechanical stress, pH changes, or nutrient cues to regulate cell fate, immunity, and disease progression.
The core objective of this Research Topic is to synthesize new knowledge in ion channel and transporter research, filling the gap between basic scientific discovery and clinical utility. Our ultimate contribution will be to accelerate the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for conditions related to ion channels and transporters.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
