Editorial [Hot Topic: Membrane Channels as Therapeutic Targets (Executive Editor: Jean-Claude Herve)]

Abstract

EditorialChannels are membranous structures formed by aggregated proteins and contain aqueous central pores that allow the passage of ions and small molecules. They serve many functions apart from electrical signal transduction, including chemical signalling, transepithelial transport, regulation of cytoplasmic or vesicular ion concentration and pH, regulation of cell volume, etc... A large number of channel genes have now been cloned, and their biophysical properties, subunit stoichiometries, channel assemblies, and modulation by second messengers and ligands have been gradually elucidated. Membrane channel malfunctions can cause diseases in many tissues, and the list of human illnesses known to be associated with defects in ion channels has grown considerably. It is also becoming clear that channels, more than independent units, make up macromolecular complexes able to integrate a plethora of cellular signals to fine-tune channel activities.