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Zhou A, Sun Z, Sun L. Stable organic radical qubits and their applications in quantum information science. Innovation (N Y) 2024; 5:100662. [PMID: 39091459 PMCID: PMC11292369 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2024.100662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The past century has witnessed the flourishing of organic radical chemistry. Stable organic radicals are highly valuable for quantum technologies thanks to their inherent room temperature quantum coherence, atomic-level designability, and fine tunability. In this comprehensive review, we highlight the potential of stable organic radicals as high-temperature qubits and explore their applications in quantum information science, which remain largely underexplored. Firstly, we summarize known spin dynamic properties of stable organic radicals and examine factors that influence their electron spin relaxation and decoherence times. This examination reveals their design principles and optimal operating conditions. We further discuss their integration in solid-state materials and surface structures, and present their state-of-the-art applications in quantum computing, quantum memory, and quantum sensing. Finally, we analyze the primary challenges associated with stable organic radical qubits and provide tentative insights to future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimei Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, China
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Zhecheng Sun
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, China
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, China
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Key Laboratory for Quantum Materials of Zhejiang Province, Department of Physics, School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, China
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2
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Zhang J, Chang Y, Zhang P, Zhang Y, Wei M, Han C, Wang S, Lu HM, Cai T, Xie C. On the evolutionary trail of MagRs. Zool Res 2024; 45:821-830. [PMID: 38894524 PMCID: PMC11298677 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2024.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Magnetic sense, or termed magnetoreception, has evolved in a broad range of taxa within the animal kingdom to facilitate orientation and navigation. MagRs, highly conserved A-type iron-sulfur proteins, are widely distributed across all phyla and play essential roles in both magnetoreception and iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis. However, the evolutionary origins and functional diversification of MagRs from their prokaryotic ancestor remain unclear. In this study, MagR sequences from 131 species, ranging from bacteria to humans, were selected for analysis, with 23 representative sequences covering species from prokaryotes to Mollusca, Arthropoda, Osteichthyes, Reptilia, Aves, and mammals chosen for protein expression and purification. Biochemical studies revealed a gradual increase in total iron content in MagRs during evolution. Three types of MagRs were identified, each with distinct iron and/or iron-sulfur cluster binding capacity and protein stability, indicating continuous expansion of the functional roles of MagRs during speciation and evolution. This evolutionary biochemical study provides valuable insights into how evolution shapes the physical and chemical properties of biological molecules such as MagRs and how these properties influence the evolutionary trajectories of MagRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Yafei Chang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Yanqi Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Mengke Wei
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230039, China
| | - Chenyang Han
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230039, China
| | - Shun Wang
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230039, China
| | - Hui-Meng Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Tiantian Cai
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
- Institute of Quantum Sensing, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China. E-mail:
| | - Can Xie
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
- Institute of Quantum Sensing, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China. E-mail:
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3
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Hore PJ. Proteins as nanomagnets and magnetoreceptors. Zool Res 2024; 45:831-832. [PMID: 38894525 PMCID: PMC11298681 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2024.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P J Hore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, UK. E-mail:
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4
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Zhou X, Zhang L, Zhang P, Xu H, Song J, Chang Y, Cai T, Xie C. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed important processes underlying the static magnetic field effects on Arabidopsis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1390031. [PMID: 38863539 PMCID: PMC11165219 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1390031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Static magnetic field (SMF) plays important roles in various biological processes of many organisms including plants, though the molecular mechanism remains largely unclear. Here in this study, we evaluated different magnetic setups to test their effects on growth and development on Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), and discovered that plant growth was significantly enhanced by inhomogeneous SMF generated by a regular triangular prism magnet perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed that auxin synthesis and signal transduction genes were upregulated by SMF exposure. SMF also facilitated plants to maintain the iron homeostasis. The expression of iron metabolism-related genes was downregulated by SMF, however, the iron content in plant tissues remains relatively unchanged. Furthermore, SMF exposure also helped the plants to reduce ROS level and synergistically maintain the oxidant balance by enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes and accumulation of nicotinamide. Taken together, our data suggested that SMF is involved in regulating the growth and development of Arabidopsis thaliana through maintaining iron homeostasis and balancing oxidative stress, which could be beneficial for plant survival and growth. The work presented here would extend our understanding of the mechanism and the regulatory network of how magnetic field affects the plant growth, which would provide insights into the development of novel plant synthetic biology technologies to engineer stress-resistant and high-yielding crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Zhou
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hang Xu
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, China
| | - Jialei Song
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yafei Chang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Tiantian Cai
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Quantum Sensing, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Can Xie
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Quantum Sensing, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Zhang Y, Zhang P, Wang J, Zhang J, Tong T, Zhou X, Zhou Y, Wei M, Feng C, Li J, Zhang X, Xie C, Cai T. Mitochondrial targeting sequence of magnetoreceptor MagR: More than just targeting. Zool Res 2024; 45:468-477. [PMID: 38583938 PMCID: PMC11188603 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Iron-sulfur clusters are essential cofactors for proteins involved in various biological processes, such as electron transport, biosynthetic reactions, DNA repair, and gene expression regulation. Iron-sulfur cluster assembly protein IscA1 (or MagR) is found within the mitochondria of most eukaryotes. Magnetoreceptor (MagR) is a highly conserved A-type iron and iron-sulfur cluster-binding protein, characterized by two distinct types of iron-sulfur clusters, [2Fe-2S] and [3Fe-4S], each conferring unique magnetic properties. MagR forms a rod-like polymer structure in complex with photoreceptive cryptochrome (Cry) and serves as a putative magnetoreceptor for retrieving geomagnetic information in animal navigation. Although the N-terminal sequences of MagR vary among species, their specific function remains unknown. In the present study, we found that the N-terminal sequences of pigeon MagR, previously thought to serve as a mitochondrial targeting signal (MTS), were not cleaved following mitochondrial entry but instead modulated the efficiency with which iron-sulfur clusters and irons are bound. Moreover, the N-terminal region of MagR was required for the formation of a stable MagR/Cry complex. Thus, the N-terminal sequences in pigeon MagR fulfil more important functional roles than just mitochondrial targeting. These results further extend our understanding of the function of MagR and provide new insights into the origin of magnetoreception from an evolutionary perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqi Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Junjun Wang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Tianyang Tong
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Xiujuan Zhou
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Yajie Zhou
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230039, China
| | - Mengke Wei
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230039, China
| | - Chuanlin Feng
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Jinqian Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine and The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 571199, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230039, China
- International Magnetobiology Frontier Research Center, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Can Xie
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- International Magnetobiology Frontier Research Center, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Institute of Quantum Sensing, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China. E-mail:
| | - Tiantian Cai
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Institute of Quantum Sensing, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China. E-mail:
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Aguida B, Babo J, Baouz S, Jourdan N, Procopio M, El-Esawi MA, Engle D, Mills S, Wenkel S, Huck A, Berg-Sørensen K, Kampranis SC, Link J, Ahmad M. 'Seeing' the electromagnetic spectrum: spotlight on the cryptochrome photocycle. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1340304. [PMID: 38495372 PMCID: PMC10940379 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1340304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Cryptochromes are widely dispersed flavoprotein photoreceptors that regulate numerous developmental responses to light in plants, as well as to stress and entrainment of the circadian clock in animals and humans. All cryptochromes are closely related to an ancient family of light-absorbing flavoenzymes known as photolyases, which use light as an energy source for DNA repair but themselves have no light sensing role. Here we review the means by which plant cryptochromes acquired a light sensing function. This transition involved subtle changes within the flavin binding pocket which gave rise to a visual photocycle consisting of light-inducible and dark-reversible flavin redox state transitions. In this photocycle, light first triggers flavin reduction from an initial dark-adapted resting state (FADox). The reduced state is the biologically active or 'lit' state, correlating with biological activity. Subsequently, the photoreduced flavin reoxidises back to the dark adapted or 'resting' state. Because the rate of reoxidation determines the lifetime of the signaling state, it significantly modulates biological activity. As a consequence of this redox photocycle Crys respond to both the wavelength and the intensity of light, but are in addition regulated by factors such as temperature, oxygen concentration, and cellular metabolites that alter rates of flavin reoxidation even independently of light. Mechanistically, flavin reduction is correlated with conformational change in the protein, which is thought to mediate biological activity through interaction with biological signaling partners. In addition, a second, entirely independent signaling mechanism arises from the cryptochrome photocycle in the form of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These are synthesized during flavin reoxidation, are known mediators of biotic and abiotic stress responses, and have been linked to Cry biological activity in plants and animals. Additional special properties arising from the cryptochrome photocycle include responsivity to electromagnetic fields and their applications in optogenetics. Finally, innovations in methodology such as the use of Nitrogen Vacancy (NV) diamond centers to follow cryptochrome magnetic field sensitivity in vivo are discussed, as well as the potential for a whole new technology of 'magneto-genetics' for future applications in synthetic biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanche Aguida
- Unite Mixed de Recherche (UMR) Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 8256 (B2A), Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Jonathan Babo
- Unite Mixed de Recherche (UMR) Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 8256 (B2A), Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Soria Baouz
- Unite Mixed de Recherche (UMR) Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 8256 (B2A), Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Jourdan
- Unite Mixed de Recherche (UMR) Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 8256 (B2A), Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Maria Procopio
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Dorothy Engle
- Biology Department, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Stephen Mills
- Chemistry Department, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Stephan Wenkel
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Alexander Huck
- DTU Physics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Sotirios C. Kampranis
- Biochemical Engineering Group, Plant Biochemistry Section, Department of Plant and Environment Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Justin Link
- Physics and Engineering Department, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Margaret Ahmad
- Unite Mixed de Recherche (UMR) Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 8256 (B2A), Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Biology Department, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Wang S, Zhang P, Fei F, Tong T, Zhou X, Zhou Y, Zhang J, Wei M, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Huang Y, Zhang L, Zhang X, Cai T, Xie C. Unexpected divergence in magnetoreceptor MagR from robin and pigeon linked to two sequence variations. Zool Res 2024; 45:69-78. [PMID: 38114434 PMCID: PMC10839668 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Birds exhibit extraordinary mobility and remarkable navigational skills, obtaining guidance cues from the Earth's magnetic field for orientation and long-distance movement. Bird species also show tremendous diversity in navigation strategies, with considerable differences even within the same taxa and among individuals from the same population. The highly conserved iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding magnetoreceptor (MagR) protein is suggested to enable animals, including birds, to detect the geomagnetic field and navigate accordingly. Notably, MagR is also implicated in other functions, such as electron transfer and biogenesis of iron-sulfur clusters, raising the question of whether variability exists in its biochemical and biophysical features among species, particularly birds. In the current study, we conducted a comparative analysis of MagR from two different bird species, including the migratory European robin and the homing pigeon. Sequence alignment revealed an extremely high degree of similarity between the MagRs of these species, with only three sequence variations. Nevertheless, two of these variations underpinned significant differences in metal binding capacity, oligomeric state, and magnetic properties. These findings offer compelling evidence for the marked differences in MagR between the two avian species, potentially explaining how a highly conserved protein can mediate such diverse functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Wang
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230039, China
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Fan Fei
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Tianyang Tong
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Department of Anatomy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Xiujuan Zhou
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Yajie Zhou
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230039, China
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Mengke Wei
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230039, China
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Yanqi Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Yulong Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260 USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230039, China
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
- International Magnetobiology Frontier Research Center, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Tiantian Cai
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China. E-mail:
| | - Can Xie
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
- International Magnetobiology Frontier Research Center, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China. E-mail:
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Li N, Wang P, Xie Y, Wang B, Zhu C, Xue L, Han X, Gu N, Sun J. Expression of clMagR/clCry4 protein in mBMSCs provides T 2-contrast enhancement of MRI. Acta Biomater 2023; 172:309-320. [PMID: 37778484 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Here, we propose for the first time the evaluation of magnetosensitive clMagR/clCry4 as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reporter gene that imparts sensitivity to endogenous contrast in eukaryotic organisms. Using a lentiviral vector, we introduced clMagR/clCry4 into C57BL/6 mice-derived bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBMSCs), which could specifically bind with iron, significantly affected MRI transverse relaxation, and generated readily detectable contrast without adverse effects in vivo. Specifically, clMagR/clCry4 makes mBMSCs beneficial for enhancing the sensitivity of MRI-R2 for iron-bearing granules, in which cells recruit exogenous iron and convert these stores into an MRI-detectable contrast; this is not achievable with control cells. Additionally, Prussian blue staining was performed together with ultrathin cell slices to provide direct evidence of natural iron-bearing granules being detectable on MRI. Hence, it was inferred that the sensitivity of MRI detection should be correlated with clMagR/clCry4 and exogenous iron. Taken together, the clMagR/clCry4 has great potential as an MRI reporter gene. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, we propose the evaluation of magnetosensitive clMagR/clCry4 as an MRI reporter gene, imparting detection sensitivity to eukaryotic mBMSCs for endogenous contrast. At this point, the clMagR and clCry4 were located within the cytoplasm and possibly influence each other. The clMagR/clCry4 makes mBMSCs beneficial for enhancing the sensitivity of MRI-R2 for iron-bearing granules, in which protein could specifically bind with iron and convert these stores into MRI-detectable contrast; this is not achieved by control cells. The viewpoint was speculated that the clMagR/clCry4 and exogenous iron were complementary to each other. Additionally, Prussian blue staining was performed together with TEM observations to provide direct evidence that the iron-bearing granules were sensitive to MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuan Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Devices, School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Devices, School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Department of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xie
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Chenzhuo Zhu
- Southeast University-Monash University Joint Graduate School, Southeast University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Le Xue
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Devices, School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Xiaofeng Han
- School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Ning Gu
- Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Jianfei Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Devices, School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
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Zhou Y, Tong T, Wei M, Zhang P, Fei F, Zhou X, Guo Z, Zhang J, Xu H, Zhang L, Wang S, Wang J, Cai T, Zhang X, Xie C. Towards magnetism in pigeon MagR: Iron- and iron-sulfur binding work indispensably and synergistically. Zool Res 2023; 44:142-152. [PMID: 36484226 PMCID: PMC9841195 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2022.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to navigate long distances is essential for many animals to locate shelter, food, and breeding grounds. Magnetic sense has evolved in various migratory and homing species to orient them based on the geomagnetic field. A highly conserved iron-sulfur cluster assembly protein IscA is proposed as an animal magnetoreceptor (MagR). Iron-sulfur cluster binding is also suggested to play an essential role in MagR magnetism and is thus critical in animal magnetoreception. In the current study, we provide evidence for distinct iron binding and iron-sulfur cluster binding in MagR in pigeons, an avian species that relies on the geomagnetic field for navigation and homing. Pigeon MagR showed significantly higher total iron content from both iron- and iron-sulfur binding. Y65 in pigeon MagR was shown to directly mediate mononuclear iron binding, and its mutation abolished iron-binding capacity of the protein. Surprisingly, both iron binding and iron-sulfur binding demonstrated synergistic effects, and thus appear to be integral and indispensable to pigeon MagR magnetism. These results not only extend our current understanding of the origin and complexity of MagR magnetism, but also imply a possible molecular explanation for the huge diversity in animal magnetoreception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Zhou
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230039, China,High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Tianyang Tong
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China,Department of Anatomy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Mengke Wei
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230039, China,High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China,Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Fan Fei
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China,Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Xiujuan Zhou
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China,Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Zhen Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China,Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Huangtao Xu
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China,Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Shun Wang
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230039, China,High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China,Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230039, China,High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China,Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China,International Magnetobiology Frontier Research Center, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Tiantian Cai
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230039, China,High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China,Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China,International Magnetobiology Frontier Research Center, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Can Xie
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China,Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China,International Magnetobiology Frontier Research Center, Science Island, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China,E-mail:
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10
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Fei F, Zhang P, Li X, Wang S, Feng E, Wan Y, Xie C. Effect of static magnetic field on marine mollusc Elysia leucolegnote. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 9:1103648. [PMID: 36703918 PMCID: PMC9871387 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1103648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial magnetic fields are unavoidable environment for offshore marine organisms. With the substantially increasing submarine cables, the impact of magnetic field generated by cables on marine organisms has gradually attracted people's attention. However, there are few studies on the effect of magnetic field on molluscs. To explore whether magnetic fields could interfere with the physiological functions of offshore molluscs, here we systematically analyzed the change of metabolism and transcriptome of Elysia leucolegnote exposed to either geomagnetic field or 1.1 T static magnetic field. The blood glucose and lipid levels, as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes in E. leucolegnote were significantly increased upon the exposure to high static magnetic field for 10 days. Meanwhile, the activities of enzymes related to digestive performance and liver functions were decreased. Possible mechanisms were further revealed through comparative transcriptome analysis. A total of 836 differentially expressed genes were identified, 352 of which were up-regulated and 484 of which were down-regulated after exposure to the high static magnetic field. The up-regulated differential genes were mainly concentrated in lysosomal and apoptotic pathways, and down-regulated differential genes were mainly involved in digestive and immune systems including phagocytosis. This pattern was further confirmed by RT-qPCR analysis. In conclusion, prolonged exposure to a 1.1 T static magnetic field increased oxidative stress and blood glucose and lipid levels, and decreased immunity and physiological conditions in E. leucolegnote. The data we presented here provides a comprehensive view of metabolism change and gene expression pattern of E. leucolegnote exposed to static magnetic field. It may expand our knowledge on the magnetic field effects on offshore mollusc at molecular level, and contribute to clarification of the interaction between marine animals and artificial magnetic fields, which is certainly ecologically important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Fei
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresources, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Shun Wang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China,Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Erhui Feng
- Hainan Dong Zhai Gang National Nature Reserve Authority, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yinglang Wan
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresources, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Can Xie
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China,International Magnetobiology Frontier Research Center, Science Island, Hefei, China,*Correspondence: Can Xie,
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11
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Tong T, Zhou Y, Fei F, Zhou X, Guo Z, Wang S, Zhang J, Zhang P, Cai T, Li G, Zhang Y, Wang J, Xie C. The rational design of iron-sulfur cluster binding site for prolonged stability in magnetoreceptor MagR. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1051943. [DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1051943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron-sulfur proteins play essential roles in a wide variety of cellular processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation and magnetoreception. The stability of iron-sulfur clusters varies significantly between anaerobic and aerobic conditions due to their intrinsic sensitivity to oxygen. Iron-sulfur proteins are well suited to various practical applications as molecular redox sensors or molecular “wires” for electron transfer. Various technologies have been developed recently using one particular iron-sulfur protein, MagR, as a magnetic tag. However, the limited protein stability and low magnetic sensitivity of MagR hindered its wide application. Here in this study, the iron-sulfur binding site of pigeon clMagR was rationally re-designed. One such mutation, T57C in pigeon MagR, showed improved iron-sulfur binding efficiency and higher iron content, as well as prolonged thermostability. Thus, clMagRT57C can serve as a prototype for further design of more stable and sensitive magnetic toolbox for magnetogenetics in the future.
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12
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Deppisch P, Helfrich-Förster C, Senthilan PR. The Gain and Loss of Cryptochrome/Photolyase Family Members during Evolution. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091613. [PMID: 36140781 PMCID: PMC9498864 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cryptochrome/photolyase (CRY/PL) family represents an ancient group of proteins fulfilling two fundamental functions. While photolyases repair UV-induced DNA damages, cryptochromes mainly influence the circadian clock. In this study, we took advantage of the large number of already sequenced and annotated genes available in databases and systematically searched for the protein sequences of CRY/PL family members in all taxonomic groups primarily focusing on metazoans and limiting the number of species per taxonomic order to five. Using BLASTP searches and subsequent phylogenetic tree and motif analyses, we identified five distinct photolyases (CPDI, CPDII, CPDIII, 6-4 photolyase, and the plant photolyase PPL) and six cryptochrome subfamilies (DASH-CRY, mammalian-type MCRY, Drosophila-type DCRY, cnidarian-specific ACRY, plant-specific PCRY, and the putative magnetoreceptor CRY4. Manually assigning the CRY/PL subfamilies to the species studied, we have noted that over evolutionary history, an initial increase of various CRY/PL subfamilies was followed by a decrease and specialization. Thus, in more primitive organisms (e.g., bacteria, archaea, simple eukaryotes, and in basal metazoans), we find relatively few CRY/PL members. As species become more evolved (e.g., cnidarians, mollusks, echinoderms, etc.), the CRY/PL repertoire also increases, whereas it appears to decrease again in more recent organisms (humans, fruit flies, etc.). Moreover, our study indicates that all cryptochromes, although largely active in the circadian clock, arose independently from different photolyases, explaining their different modes of action.
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13
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Yang P, Cai T, Zhang L, Yu D, Guo Z, Zhang Y, Li G, Zhang X, Xie C. A Rationally Designed Building Block of the Putative Magnetoreceptor MagR. Bioelectromagnetics 2022; 43:317-326. [PMID: 35598081 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The ability of animals to perceive guidance cues from Earth's magnetic field for orientation and navigation has been supported by a wealth of behavioral experiments, yet the nature of this sensory modality remains fascinatingly unresolved and wide open for discovery. MagR has been proposed as a putative magnetoreceptor based on its intrinsic magnetism and its complexation with a previously suggested key protein in magnetosensing, cryptochrome, to form a rod-like polymer structure. Here, we report a rationally designed single-chain tetramer of MagR (SctMagR), serving as the building block of the hierarchical assembly of MagR polymer. The magnetic trapping experiment and direct magnetic measurement of SctMagR demonstrated the possibility of magnetization of nonmagnetic cells via overexpressing a single protein, which has great potential in various applications. SctMagR, as reported in this study, serves as a prototype of designed magnetic biomaterials inspired by animal magnetoreception. The features of SctMagR provide insights into the unresolved origin of the intrinsic magnetic moment, which is of considerable interest in both biology and physics. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tiantian Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, China
| | - Daqi Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Artificial Microstructures and Mesoscopic Physics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuebin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Guohui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, China.,International Magnetobiology Frontier Research Center, Science Island, Hefei, China
| | - Can Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Island, Hefei, China.,International Magnetobiology Frontier Research Center, Science Island, Hefei, China.,Beijing Computational Science Research Center, The Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics, Beijing, China
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