Ion channels are key determinants for the function of excitable cells, but little is known about their role and involvement during embryonic development and cell fate determination. During recent years, it has become clear that ion channels are involved in a variety of biological processes which exceeds the generation and regulation of action potentials by far. Several studies have emerged now elucidating the role of distinction channel function in different stem cells, and subsequently numerous questions have been raised concerning ion channels as modulators of early, pluripotent stem cells as well as of adult stem cells, such as mesenchymal or neural stem cells. These functions include, for example, regulation of proliferation, modulation of the cytoskeleton, migration, and cell differentiation. Nevertheless, the molecular basis underlying these processes is only poorly understood.

In this special issue, we welcome review and original papers of how different types of stem cells are studied within the context of ion channel expression, their biological function, and underlying molecular mechanisms. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Distinct functionality of ion channels in stem cells
• Stem cell-specific expression patterns of ion channels
• Impact of ion channel activity on cell differentiation and function
• Newly found expression of ion channels in stem cells

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/sci/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: