Nanoscale Biophysics of Membrane Proteins: Mechanosensation, Chemosensation, and Molecular Recognition

Membrane proteins sit at the front line of how organisms sense the world. They detect chemical ligands, mechanical forces, and molecular interactions at biological interfaces, then convert these inputs into cellular signals that shape physiology and perception. Recent progress in nano-biophysics and single-molecule methods now makes it possible to measure these processes directly, revealing how binding, force, membrane mechanics, and conformational change work together to produce function.This Research Topic highlights advances in the nanoscale biophysics of membrane proteins involved in mechanosensation, chemosensation, and molecular recognition, with a particular interest in systems relevant to sensory perception (e.g., taste/odorant receptors and mechanoreceptors underlying texture and mouthfeel). By bringing together experimental, methodological, and conceptual contributions, the collection aims to deepen mechanistic understanding of how physical interactions and forces encode information at the molecular level.The Research Topic welcomes manuscripts addressing, including but not limited to:Single-molecule and nano-biophysical studies of membrane proteins (e.g., AFM, high-resolution force spectroscopy)Receptor–ligand interactions and binding kinetics under loadMechanosensation and mechanotransduction at membranes and interfacesChemosensation and sensory receptor activation (e.g., GPCR taste/odorant receptors)Nanomechanical properties of membranes and how they tune receptor functionProtein–lipid and protein–matrix interactions shaping sensitivity, selectivity, and adaptationStructural–mechanical–functional links in signal initiation at biological interfacesComplementary biophysical approaches that strengthen mechanistic interpretation (e.g., electrophysiology, imaging, modeling)Both original research and review articles are welcome, as well as methods papers introducing new experimental, analytical, or integrative approaches for probing membrane protein function at the nanoscale. Contributions that bridge structural, mechanical, and functional perspectives—linking molecular-scale events to physiological and perceptual outcomes—are especially encouraged.By assembling work across mechanosensation, chemosensation, and molecular recognition, this Research Topic aims to advance a unified, mechanistic view of how membrane proteins translate chemical and mechanical cues into biological function and sensory experience. Topic editors: Melanie Koehler, Jérémie Topin, George R Heath, Sandro Keller Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78850/nanoscale-biophysics-of-membrane-proteins-mechanosensation-chemosensation-and-molecular-recognition