The Role of Membrane Proteins in Neurological Diseases
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 42
Special Issue Editor
2. Channelopathy Research Center (CRC), Dongguk University College of Medicine, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsan Dong-gu, Goyang 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
Interests: cell physiology; electrophysiology; ion channel; membrane protein
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The intricate world of membrane proteins continues to be a frontier in molecular biology and medicine. Despite significant advances in genomic research, our understanding of the structure, function, and regulation of membrane proteins—particularly in the context of neurological disorders—remains incomplete. This gap in knowledge presents crucial opportunities for developing new therapeutic strategies.
Genomic studies reveal that approximately 30% of human proteins are either embedded in or traverse cellular membranes. Moreover, it is estimated that over 60% of current drug targets are membrane proteins, including ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors, and transporters. The importance of membrane proteins in various neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy, makes them attractive therapeutic targets.
Recent technological breakthroughs, including cryo-electron microscopy, advanced protein production techniques, and the development of AI-powered tools like AlphaFold, have significantly enhanced our ability to study and target membrane proteins involved in neurological diseases. These advancements offer unprecedented opportunities for developing novel therapies.
This Special Issue focuses on the following topics:
- Structural and functional changes of membrane proteins in neurological diseases;
- The role of membrane proteins in neurodegenerative disorders;
- Membrane protein function in neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity and its dysregulation;
- Membrane proteins as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of neurological disorders;
- Drug development strategies targeting membrane proteins for neurological disease treatment;
- Novel therapeutic approaches targeting membrane proteins (e.g., antibodies, small molecules, and gene therapies);
- Structure-based drug design for membrane proteins implicated in neurological disorders.
We eagerly anticipate compiling a collection of cutting-edge research that will significantly advance our understanding of the role of membrane proteins in neurological diseases and their potential as therapeutic targets. This Special Issue aims to benefit basic researchers, clinicians, pharmaceutical industry professionals, and ultimately, patients affected by neurological disorders.
Prof. Dr. Joohyun Nam
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- membrane protein
- G protein-coupled receptors
- transporters
- ion channels
- therapeutic targets
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