Dear Colleagues,
Erythrocytes, commonly known as red blood cells (RBCs), are pivotal in maintaining homeostasis within the human body. Their primary function is transporting oxygen from the lungs to various tissues and organs while carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation. This critical gas exchange process ensures cellular respiration and the optimal functioning of all bodily systems.
In a healthy state, erythrocytes possess a unique biconcave disc shape that provides a large surface area-to-volume ratio, facilitating efficient gas diffusion. Their flexibility allows them to navigate the narrowest capillaries, ensuring oxygen delivery to even the most remote cells in the body.
Disruptions in erythrocyte count, structure, or function can result in various diseases and conditions. Additionally, genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia can result in abnormal erythrocyte shapes which reduces their lifespan and impaires their ability to flow smoothly through vessels. These irregular shapes can lead to microvascular occlusions, causing tissue damage and painful episodes.
In recent years, advancements in medical research have led to a better understanding of erythrocyte physiology and their role beyond oxygen transport. Erythrocytes have been recognized as active participants in immune responses, inflammation modulation, nitric oxide delivery for vascular health, and have been implicated in COVID-19. Furthermore, novel red blood functions, blood bank storage methods, and red-blood-cell-based therapies are in current development.
This special issue will provide the most advanced knowledge on the fundamental aspects of erythrocyte structure and function in maintaining health as well as delving into the mechanisms that underly various erythrocyte-related disorders. A comprehensive understanding of erythrocyte biology is essential for developing practical diagnostic tools, therapeutic interventions, and potential avenues for disease prevention. Ongoing research in this field holds promise for improving the quality of life for individuals affected by erythrocyte-related conditions.
Prof. Francesco Misiti
Guest Editor
Manuscripts should be submitted via our online editorial system at https://imr.propub.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to start your submission. Manuscripts can be submitted now or up until the deadline. All papers will go through peer-review process. Accepted papers will be published in the journal (as soon as accepted) and meanwhile listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, reviews as well as short communications are preferred. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office to announce on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts will be thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. Please visit the Instruction for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) in this open access journal is 2500 USD. Submitted manuscripts should be well formatted in good English.