HCN Channelopathies: New Outcomes and Therapeutic Perspectives

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels—comprising the four known members HCN1–4—are a unique family of voltage-gated ion channels of fundamental biological importance. Discovered in the heart, initially as the mediators of the cardiac "funny currents" (If) controlling pacemaker activity, HCN channels have since been recognized as ubiquitously crucial, with roles that extend far beyond rhythm generation.Abundantly expressed in both the brain and the heart, HCN channels regulate membrane excitability, dendritic integration, and synaptic plasticity. Their physiological significance is matched only by their increasingly recognized involvement in diverse pathologies, ranging from epilepsy, memory disorders, and depression to Parkinson’s disease and cardiac arrhythmias.Despite their central roles, the development of therapies targeting HCN channels has lagged behind: Ivabradine remains the only approved HCN-modulating drug, for the treatment of angina pectoris. This notable gap between fundamental importance and therapeutic progress underscores the urgent need for innovative research in this field.We invite original research articles, reviews, and perspectives addressing all aspects of HCN channel biology and function, including but not limited to:o Physiological and pathophysiological roles in nervous and cardiovascular systemso Clinical and genetic studies linking HCN channels to human disorderso Structural and biophysical insights into channel functiono Pharmacological advances, including the discovery or characterization of novel modulatorsBy bringing together researchers across disciplines, we hope this Research Topic becomes a definitive reference that inspires new collaborations and breakthroughs in HCN channel research. Topic editors: Christian Legros, Alban Ziegler, Christopher Alan Reid Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/74307/hcn-channelopathies-new-outcomes-and-therapeutic-perspectives