Guest Editors
Prof. Cristina Roseti
Email: cristina.roseti@uninsubria.it
Affiliation: Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Insubria, Varese, 21100, Italy; Centre for Neuroscience, University of Insubria, Varese, 21100, Italy
Homepage:
Research Interests: GABAA receptors, ion channels, membrane transporters, neuroinflammation, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, electrophysiology
Dr. Barbara Barile
Email: barbara.barile@uniba.it
Affiliation: Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, 70125, Italy
Homepage:
Research Interests: water channels, AQP4, ion channels, astrocytes, gliosis, cell migration, water transport, cell volume regulatory mechanisms
Dr. Tiziana Romanazzi
Email: tiziana.romanazzi@uninsubria.it
Affiliation: Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, 21100, Italy
Homepage:
Research Interests: solute carrier, electrophysiology, neurotransmitter transporters, membrane transporters, ion-coupled transport mechanisms, structure–function relationship of SLC proteins, neurotransmitter clearance
Summary
Transporters and ion channels are critical molecular players that maintain the physiological balance and communication in the brain. From regulating ion gradients and neurotransmitter clearance to shaping synaptic transmission and glial function, these membrane proteins are essential for neural computation, energy balance, and homeostasis. Despite decades of research, many of their dynamic roles in specific brain cell types, as well as the fine-tuned molecular mechanisms governing their behavior, remain to be elucidated.
This special issue of BIOCELL invites contributions that explore the molecular, biophysical, and cellular aspects of transporters and channels in the brain. The issue aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary research at the interface of molecular biophysics, cell biology, and neurophysiology, with a focus on mechanistic insights at the cellular level.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
1. Structural and biophysical analysis of brain ion and water channels and transporters
2. Dynamics of membrane proteins in neurons and glial cells, including trafficking, clustering, and localization
3. Electrophysiological studies revealing the functional roles of specific channels or transporters in brain circuits
4. Glial transporter systems and their impact on neurotransmission and neurovascular coupling
5. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of channelopathies and transporter-related brain disorders
6. Cross-talk between transporters, signaling cascades, and metabolic pathways
7. Developmental and plasticity-related regulation of transporter/channel expression and function
By integrating studies from molecular biophysics to whole-cell dynamics, this special issue aligns closely with BIOCELL's mission to advance our understanding of life processes at the cellular and subcellular levels. We particularly encourage submissions that use innovative experimental approaches to decipher the mechanistic underpinnings of transporter and channel function in brain physiology and pathology.
Keywords
ion channels, membrane transporters, brain physiology, molecular biophysics, cellular dynamics, electrophysiology, glial cells, neurodegeneration, brain edema, neurodevelopmental disorders
Login
Register
Submit a Paper
Propose a Special lssue