The investigation of channels and pores is a delightfully varied field requiring a wide range of knowledge and experimental tools taken from a multiplicity of scientific disciplines. This wonderful diversity is well illustrated by the articles in this special thematic issue of Molecular BioSystems. 

All the work described here involves membrane proteins, yet it has required expertise in protein expression and purification, protein chemistry, cell biology, transgenic animals, synthetic chemistry, surface chemistry, photochemistry, materials science, engineering, biophysics, and more. 

The issue is introduced by Hagan Bayley, Professor of Chemical Biology at Oxford University and member of the Molecular BioSystems Editorial Board.