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Pu Z, Wu Y, Zhu Z, Zhao H, Cui D. A new horizon for neuroscience: terahertz biotechnology in brain research. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:309-325. [PMID: 38819036 PMCID: PMC11317941 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-00872] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Terahertz biotechnology has been increasingly applied in various biomedical fields and has especially shown great potential for application in brain sciences. In this article, we review the development of terahertz biotechnology and its applications in the field of neuropsychiatry. Available evidence indicates promising prospects for the use of terahertz spectroscopy and terahertz imaging techniques in the diagnosis of amyloid disease, cerebrovascular disease, glioma, psychiatric disease, traumatic brain injury, and myelin deficit. In vitro and animal experiments have also demonstrated the potential therapeutic value of terahertz technology in some neuropsychiatric diseases. Although the precise underlying mechanism of the interactions between terahertz electromagnetic waves and the biosystem is not yet fully understood, the research progress in this field shows great potential for biomedical noninvasive diagnostic and therapeutic applications. However, the biosafety of terahertz radiation requires further exploration regarding its two-sided efficacy in practical applications. This review demonstrates that terahertz biotechnology has the potential to be a promising method in the field of neuropsychiatry based on its unique advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengping Pu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Kangci Hospital of Jiaxing, Tongxiang, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongjie Zhu
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Donghong Cui
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Yang J, Wang T, Fang G, Qi L, Chen X, Zhou H. Chirality identification of Ibuprofen enantiomers by a terahertz polarization-sensitive metasurface sensor. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 322:124803. [PMID: 39003828 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Chirality plays an important role in medicine, biology, and chemistry. Molecules of different chirality could display dramatically different medical effects, pharmacological activities, and physiological impacts. Ibuprofen is an important anti-inflammatory drug in clinics. The anti-inflammatory effect is almost solely attributed to the (S)-(+)-Ibuprofen, while its enantiomer (R)-(-)-Ibuprofen plays a negative effect on increasing the metabolic burden. In this work, a terahertz (THz) polarization-sensitive metasurface sensor is proposed for qualitative and quantitative identification of the chiral Ibuprofen. The chirality parameters of Ibuprofen are extracted from the circular-polarized transmission coefficients. The parameters are further used to simulate the coupling mechanism between the Ibuprofen and the sensor to explain the principle of recognition. The sensitivities of (R)-(-)-Ibuprofen and (S)-(+)-Ibuprofen are found to be 1.5 THz/(mg/L) and 1.8 THz/(mg/L) for the TM polarization, respectively, and 1.7 THz/(mg/L) and 2.1 THz/(mg/L) for the TE polarization, respectively. The difference enables the chirality identification according to the different frequency shift at the same concentration. The exceptional specificity and sensitivity provide a new avenue for chiral molecular recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- GBA branch of Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510700, China; School of Electronic Engineering, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing 100876, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Terahertz Quantum Electromagnetics, Guangzhou 510700, China
| | - Tianwu Wang
- GBA branch of Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510700, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Terahertz Quantum Electromagnetics, Guangzhou 510700, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Guangyou Fang
- GBA branch of Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510700, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Terahertz Quantum Electromagnetics, Guangzhou 510700, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Limei Qi
- School of Electronic Engineering, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing 100876, China.
| | - Xuequan Chen
- GBA branch of Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510700, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Terahertz Quantum Electromagnetics, Guangzhou 510700, China
| | - Huaping Zhou
- Guangzhou Institute of Cancer Research, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China.
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3
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Zhang Q, Wang W, Shang S, Li X, Zhao T, Zhang P, Wu D, Zhou K, Lu X. Unveiling the immune-modulating power of THz-FEL irradiation. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2024; 259:113017. [PMID: 39226855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2024.113017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
As terahertz (THz) technology advances, the interaction between THz radiation and the living body, particularly its effects on the immune system, has attracted extensive attention but remains poorly understood. This study firstly elucidated that exposure to 3 THz-FEL radiation markedly suppressed contact hypersensitivity reactions in mice induced by DNFB, as evidenced by a reduction in ear thickness and a discernible recovery in the Th1/Th2 cell balance. 3 THz irradiation led to cellular stress in the irradiated skin locale, increasing the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 and modulating the activity and migration of dendritic cells and mast cells. Furthermore, THz irradiation precipitated a rapid alteration in the skin lipidome, altering several categories of bioactive lipids. These findings offer new insights into the immunomodulatory effects of THz radiation on living organisms and the potential underlying mechanisms, with implications for the development of therapeutic approaches in managing skin allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weijun Wang
- China Academy of Engineering Physics, Institute of Applied Electronics, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China; National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Laser and High Power Microwave, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China
| | - Sen Shang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xu Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- China Academy of Engineering Physics, Institute of Applied Electronics, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China; National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Laser and High Power Microwave, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China
| | - Dai Wu
- China Academy of Engineering Physics, Institute of Applied Electronics, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China; National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Laser and High Power Microwave, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China
| | - Kui Zhou
- China Academy of Engineering Physics, Institute of Applied Electronics, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China; National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Laser and High Power Microwave, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xiaoyun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, Shaanxi, China.
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4
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Chen C, Hao HT, Li MQ, Ma YQ, Ding HM. Dissociation of Nicotine from Acetylcholine-Binding Protein under Terahertz Waves Radiation. J Phys Chem B 2024. [PMID: 39327873 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c03755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
The binding of nicotine (NCT) to acetylcholine-binding protein (AChBP) plays an important role in synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter regulation. However, effectively regulating their binding or dissociation processes remains a challenging problem. In this study, we employed all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to systematically investigate the impact of external terahertz (THz) waves on the binding kinetics between AChBP and NCT. We first identified the key residues (i.e., W143) and the key interactions (i.e., hydrogen bonding and cation-π interaction) in AChBP-NCT binding without THz waves. We then investigated the binding and dissociation of charged NCT with AChBP at three different frequencies (i.e., 13.02, 21.44, 42.55 THz). Importantly, the predominant vibrational modes at 13.02 THz can drive the rotation of the pentagonal ring on NCT. This leads to the disruption of hydrogen bonds between NCT and W143 and a reduced likelihood of forming cation-π interactions, resulting in the dissociation of NCT from AChBP. Additionally, we further investigated the influence of electric field intensities on the dissociation kinetics and found that when the electric field intensity exceeds a critical value (∼0.60 V/nm), the probability of ligand dissociation gradually rises as the intensity increases. In general, this study contributes to a better understanding of the effects of THz waves on protein-ligand interactions, which might also shed some light on potential applications in nicotine addiction treatment and therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hao-Tian Hao
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Meng-Qiu Li
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Yu-Qiang Ma
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hong-Ming Ding
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
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Peng W, Wang P, Tan C, Zhao H, Chen K, Si H, Tian Y, Lou A, Zhu Z, Yuan Y, Wu K, Chang C, Wu Y, Chen T. High-frequency terahertz stimulation alleviates neuropathic pain by inhibiting the pyramidal neuron activity in the anterior cingulate cortex of mice. eLife 2024; 13:RP97444. [PMID: 39331514 PMCID: PMC11434610 DOI: 10.7554/elife.97444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system and is characterized by abnormal hypersensitivity to stimuli and nociceptive responses to non-noxious stimuli, affecting approximately 7-10% of the general population. However, current first-line drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and opioids have limitations, including dose-limiting side effects, dependence, and tolerability issues. Therefore, developing new interventions for the management of NP is urgent. In this study, we discovered that the high-frequency terahertz stimulation (HFTS) at approximately 36 THz effectively alleviates NP symptoms in mice with spared nerve injury. Computational simulation suggests that the frequency resonates with the carbonyl group in the filter region of Kv1.2 channels, facilitating the translocation of potassium ions. In vivo and in vitro results demonstrate that HFTS reduces the excitability of pyramidal neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex likely through enhancing the voltage-gated K+ and also the leak K+ conductance. This research presents a novel optical intervention strategy with terahertz waves for the treatment of NP and holds promising applications in other nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Peng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Pan Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Chaoyang Tan
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Han Zhao
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Huaxing Si
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Yuchen Tian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Anxin Lou
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Zhi Zhu
- Laboratory of Optical Technology and Instrument for Medicine, Ministry of Education, College of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and TechnologyShanghaiChina
| | - Yifang Yuan
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Kaijie Wu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui UniversityHefeiChina
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Anhui UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Chao Chang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense TechnologyBeijingChina
- School of Physics, Peking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yuanming Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anChina
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Wang R, Song L, Ruan H, Yang Q, Yang X, Zhang X, Jiang R, Shi X, Shkurinov AP. Ultrasensitive Terahertz Label-Free Metasensors Enabled by Quasi-Bound States in the Continuum. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0483. [PMID: 39329158 PMCID: PMC11425342 DOI: 10.34133/research.0483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Advanced sensing devices based on metasurfaces have emerged as a revolutionary platform for innovative label-free biosensors, holding promise for early diagnostics and the detection of low-concentration analytes. Here, we developed a chip-based ultrasensitive terahertz (THz) metasensor, leveraging a quasi-bound state in the continuum (q-BIC) to address the challenges associated with intricate operations in trace biochemical detection. The metasensor design features an open-ring resonator metasurface, which supports magnetic dipole q-BIC combining functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) bound with a specific antibody. The substantial enhancement in THz-analyte interactions, facilitated by the potent near-field enhancement enabled by the q-BICs, results in a substantial boost in biosensor sensitivity by up to 560 GHz/refractive index units. This methodology allows for the detection of conjugated antibody-AuNPs for cardiac troponin I at concentrations as low as 0.5 pg/ml. These discoveries deliver valuable insight for AuNP-based trace biomolecule sensing and pave the path for the development of chip-scale biosensors with profound light-matter interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ride Wang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Lingyu Song
- Navy Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Beijing 100048, China
- The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Hao Ruan
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Quanlong Yang
- School of Physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xiaobao Zhang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Rundong Jiang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xiangmin Shi
- Navy Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Beijing 100048, China
- The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Alexander P Shkurinov
- Department of Physics and International Laser Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, Moscow 19991, Russia
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7
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Liu P, Xue X, Zhang C, Zhou H, Ding Z, Wang L, Jiang Y, Zhang Z, Shen W, Yang S, Wang F. Mid-Infrared Photons Alleviate Tinnitus by Activating the KCNQ2 Channel in the Auditory Cortex. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0479. [PMID: 39296986 PMCID: PMC11408936 DOI: 10.34133/research.0479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
Tinnitus is a phantom auditory sensation often accompanied by hearing loss, cognitive impairments, and psychological disturbances in various populations. Dysfunction of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channels-voltage-dependent potassium ion channels-in the cochlear nucleus can cause tinnitus. Despite the recognized significance of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channels in the auditory cortex, their precise relationship and implications in the pathogenesis of tinnitus remain areas of scientific inquiry. This study aimed to elucidate the pathological roles of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channels within the auditory cortex in tinnitus development and examine the therapeutic potential of mid-infrared photons for tinnitus treatment. We utilized a noise-induced tinnitus model combined with immunofluorescence, electrophysiological recording, and molecular dynamic simulation to investigate the morphological and physiological alterations after inducing tinnitus. Moreover, in vivo irradiation was administered to verify the treatment effects of infrared photons. Tinnitus was verified by deficits of the gap ratio with similar prepulse inhibition ratio and auditory brainstem response threshold. We observed an important enhancement in neuronal excitability in the auditory cortex using patch-clamp recordings, which correlated with KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channel dysfunction. After irradiation with infrared photons, excitatory neuron firing was inhibited owing to increased KCNQ2 current resulting from structural alterations in the filter region. Meanwhile, deficits of the acoustic startle response in tinnitus animals were alleviated by infrared photons. Furthermore, infrared photons reversed the abnormal hyperexcitability of excitatory neurons in the tinnitus group. This study provided a novel method for modulating neuron excitability in the auditory cortex using KCNQ2 channels through a nonthermal effect. Infrared photons effectively mitigated tinnitus-related behaviors by suppressing abnormal neural excitability, potentially laying the groundwork for innovative therapeutic approaches for tinnitus treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital,
Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing 100853, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing 100853, China
- Key Laboratory of Hearing Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100853, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xinmiao Xue
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital,
Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing 100853, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing 100853, China
- Key Laboratory of Hearing Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100853, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital,
Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing 100853, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing 100853, China
- Key Laboratory of Hearing Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100853, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Hanwen Zhou
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital,
Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing 100853, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing 100853, China
- Key Laboratory of Hearing Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100853, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zhiwei Ding
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital,
Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing 100853, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing 100853, China
- Key Laboratory of Hearing Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100853, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Li Wang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital,
Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing 100853, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing 100853, China
- Key Laboratory of Hearing Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100853, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yuke Jiang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital,
Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing 100853, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing 100853, China
- Key Laboratory of Hearing Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100853, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zhixin Zhang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital,
Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing 100853, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing 100853, China
- Key Laboratory of Hearing Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100853, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Weidong Shen
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital,
Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing 100853, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing 100853, China
- Key Laboratory of Hearing Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100853, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Shiming Yang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital,
Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing 100853, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing 100853, China
- Key Laboratory of Hearing Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100853, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Fangyuan Wang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital,
Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing 100853, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing 100853, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing 100853, China
- Key Laboratory of Hearing Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100853, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Beijing 100853, China
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8
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Wu Y, Zhu Z, Yang J, Wang J, Ji T, Zhu H, Peng W, Chen M, Zhao H. Insights into the terahertz response of L-glutamic acid and its receptor. Analyst 2024; 149:4605-4614. [PMID: 39037577 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00697f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
L-Glutamic acid (L-Glu) is a basic unit of proteins and also serves as an important neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Its structural properties are critical for biological functions and selective receptor recognition. Although this molecule has been extensively studied, the low frequency vibrational behavior that is closely related to conformational changes and the intermolecular interactions between L-Glu and its receptors are still unclear. In this study, we acquired the fingerprint spectrum of L-Glu by using air plasma terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy in the 0.5-18 THz range. The low frequency vibrational characteristics of L-Glu were investigated through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The THz responses of the ligand binding domain of the NMDAR-L-Glu complex were studied by the ONIOM method, with a focus on discussing the normal modes and interactions of ligand L-Glu and water molecules. The results illustrate that THz spectroscopy exhibits a sensitive response to the influence of L-Glu on the structure of the NMDAR. The water molecules in proteins have various strong vibration modes in the THz band, showing specificity, diversity and complexity of vibrational behavior. There is potential for influencing and regulating the structural stability of the NMDAR-L-Glu complex through water molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China.
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhongjie Zhu
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Jinrong Yang
- East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Te Ji
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Huachun Zhu
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Weiwei Peng
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Min Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China.
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China.
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China.
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9
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Liu Y, Liu X, Shu Y, Yu Y. Progress of the Impact of Terahertz Radiation on Ion Channel Kinetics in Neuronal Cells. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01277-0. [PMID: 39231899 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01277-0] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In neurons and myocytes, selective ion channels in the plasma membrane play a pivotal role in transducing chemical or sensory stimuli into electrical signals, underpinning neural and cardiac functionality. Recent advancements in biomedical research have increasingly spotlighted the interaction between ion channels and electromagnetic fields, especially terahertz (THz) radiation. This review synthesizes current findings on the impact of THz radiation, known for its deep penetration and non-ionizing properties, on ion channel kinetics and membrane fluid dynamics. It is organized into three parts: the biophysical effects of THz exposure on cells, the specific modulation of ion channels by THz radiation, and the potential pathophysiological consequences of THz exposure. Understanding the biophysical mechanisms underlying these effects could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjiang Liu
- Research Institute of Intelligent and Complex Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xi Liu
- Research Institute of Intelligent and Complex Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 20043, China
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Yousheng Shu
- Research Institute of Intelligent and Complex Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 20043, China.
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Yuguo Yu
- Research Institute of Intelligent and Complex Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Shanghai, 200232, China.
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10
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Ning H, Wang K, Zhang Q, Guo L, Wang S, Yang L, Gong Y. Influence of terahertz waves on the binding of choline to choline acetyltransferase: insights from molecular dynamics simulations. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:22413-22422. [PMID: 39140173 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp02436b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Acetylcholine (Ach) is a common neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). It is one of the neurotransmitters in the autonomic nervous system and the main neurotransmitter in all autonomic ganglia. Experiments have confirmed that electromagnetic waves can affect the synthesis of animal neurotransmitters, but the microscopic effects of electromagnetic waves in the terahertz (THz) frequency band are still unclear. Based on density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation methods, this paper studies the effect of THz electromagnetic waves on the binding of choline to choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). By emitting THz waves that resonate with the characteristic vibration mode of choline near the active site, it was found that THz waves with a frequency of 45.3 THz affected the binding of choline to ChAT, especially the binding of the active site histidine His324 to choline. The main evidence is that under the action of THz waves, the binding free energy of choline to histidine His324 and ChAT at the active site was significantly reduced compared to noE, which may have a potential impact on the enzymatic synthesis of Ach. It is expected to achieve the purpose of regulating the synthesis of the neurotransmitter Ach under the action of THz waves and treat certain nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ning
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China.
| | - Kaicheng Wang
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China.
| | - Qin Zhang
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China.
| | - Lianghao Guo
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China.
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China.
| | - Lixia Yang
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China.
| | - Yubin Gong
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China.
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11
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Sokol M, Baker C, Baker M, Joshi RP. Simple model to incorporate statistical noise based on a modified hodgkin-huxley approach for external electrical field driven neural responses. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2024; 10:045037. [PMID: 38781941 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/ad4f90] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Noise activity is known to affect neural networks, enhance the system response to weak external signals, and lead to stochastic resonance phenomenon that can effectively amplify signals in nonlinear systems. In most treatments, channel noise has been modeled based on multi-state Markov descriptions or the use stochastic differential equation models. Here we probe a computationally simple approach based on a minor modification of the traditional Hodgkin-Huxley approach to embed noise in neural response. Results obtained from numerous simulations with different excitation frequencies and noise amplitudes for the action potential firing show very good agreement with output obtained from well-established models. Furthermore, results from the Mann-Whitney U Test reveal a statistically insignificant difference. The distribution of the time interval between successive potential spikes obtained from this simple approach compared very well with the results of complicated Fox and Lu type methods at much reduced computational cost. This present method could also possibly be applied to the analysis of spatial variations and/or differences in characteristics of random incident electromagnetic signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sokol
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, United States of America
| | - C Baker
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, United States of America
| | - M Baker
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, United States of America
| | - R P Joshi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, United States of America
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12
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Liu J, Wang Y, Gao B, Zhang K, Li H, Ren J, Huo F, Zhao B, Zhang L, Zhang S, He H. Ionic Liquid Gating Induces Anomalous Permeation through Membrane Channel Proteins. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:13588-13597. [PMID: 38695646 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Membrane channel proteins (MCPs) play key roles in matter transport through cell membranes and act as major targets for vaccines and drugs. For emerging ionic liquid (IL) drugs, a rational understanding of how ILs affect the structure and transport function of MCP is crucial to their design. In this work, GPU-accelerated microsecond-long molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate the modulating mechanism of ILs on MCP. Interestingly, ILs prefer to insert into the lipid bilayer and channel of aquaporin-2 (AQP2) but adsorb on the entrance of voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav). Molecular trajectory and free energy analysis reflect that ILs have a minimal impact on the structure of MCPs but significantly influence MCP functions. It demonstrates that ILs can decrease the overall energy barrier for water through AQP2 by 1.88 kcal/mol, whereas that for Na+ through Nav is increased by 1.70 kcal/mol. Consequently, the permeation rates of water and Na+ can be enhanced and reduced by at least 1 order of magnitude, respectively. Furthermore, an abnormal IL gating mechanism was proposed by combining the hydrophobic nature of MCP and confined water/ion coordination effects. More importantly, we performed experiments to confirm the influence of ILs on AQP2 in human cells and found that treatment with ILs significantly accelerated the changes in cell volume in response to altered external osmotic pressure. Overall, these quantitative results will not only deepen the understanding of IL-cell interactions but may also shed light on the rational design of drugs and disease diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanlei Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- Longzihu New Energy Laboratory, Zhengzhou Institute of Emerging Industrial Technology, Henan University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Bo Gao
- School of Systems Science and Institute of Nonequilibrium Systems, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R&A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Hui Li
- School of Systems Science and Institute of Nonequilibrium Systems, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jing Ren
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Feng Huo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- Longzihu New Energy Laboratory, Zhengzhou Institute of Emerging Industrial Technology, Henan University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Baofeng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R&A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Lihua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R&A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Suojiang Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- Longzihu New Energy Laboratory, Zhengzhou Institute of Emerging Industrial Technology, Henan University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Hongyan He
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- Longzihu New Energy Laboratory, Zhengzhou Institute of Emerging Industrial Technology, Henan University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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13
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Li MQ, Chen C, Ma YQ, Ding HM. Effect of terahertz waves on the aggregation behavior of neurotransmitters. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:13751-13761. [PMID: 38683175 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00556b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the dynamics of neurotransmitters is crucial for unraveling synaptic transmission mechanisms in neuroscience. In this study, we investigated the impact of terahertz (THz) waves on the aggregation of four common neurotransmitters through all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The simulations revealed enhanced nicotine (NCT) aggregation under 11.05 and 21.44 THz, with a minimal effect at 42.55 THz. Structural analysis further indicated strengthened intermolecular interactions and weakened hydration effects under specific THz stimulation. In addition, enhanced aggregation was observed at stronger field strengths, particularly at 21.44 THz. Furthermore, similar investigations on epinephrine (EPI), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) corroborated these findings. Notably, EPI showed increased aggregation at 19.05 THz, emphasizing the influence of vibrational modes on aggregation. However, 5-HT and GABA, with charged or hydrophilic functional groups, exhibited minimal aggregation under THz stimulation. The present study sheds some light on neurotransmitter responses to THz waves, offering implications for neuroscience and interdisciplinary applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Qiu Li
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
| | - Chen Chen
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yu-Qiang Ma
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hong-Ming Ding
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
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14
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Zhang QL, Zhou T, Chang C, Gu SY, Wang YJ, Liu Q, Zhu Z. Ultrahigh-Flux Water Nanopumps Generated by Asymmetric Terahertz Absorption. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2024; 132:184003. [PMID: 38759176 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.132.184003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Controlling active transport of water through membrane channels is essential for advanced nanofluidic devices. Despite advancements in water nanopump design using techniques like short-range invasion and subnanometer-level control, challenges remain facilely and remotely realizing massive waters active transport. Herein, using molecular dynamic simulations, we propose an ultrahigh-flux nanopump, powered by frequency-specific terahertz stimulation, capable of unidirectionally transporting massive water through asymmetric-wettability membrane channels at room temperature without any external pressure. The key physics behind this terahertz-powered water nanopump is revealed to be the energy flow resulting from the asymmetric optical absorption of water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Lin Zhang
- School of Mathematics-Physics and Finance and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- School of Mathematics-Physics and Finance and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Chao Chang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shi-Yu Gu
- College of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Yun-Jie Wang
- School of Mathematics-Physics and Finance and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Qi Liu
- School of Mathematics-Physics and Finance and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Zhi Zhu
- College of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
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15
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Niu X, Wu Z, Gao F, Hou S, Liu S, Zhao X, Wang L, Guo J, Zhang F. Resonating with Cellular Pathways: Transcriptome Insights into Nonthermal Bioeffects of Middle Infrared Light Stimulation and Vibrational Strong Coupling on Cell Proliferation and Migration. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0353. [PMID: 38694203 PMCID: PMC11062510 DOI: 10.34133/research.0353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Middle infrared stimulation (MIRS) and vibrational strong coupling (VSC) have been separately applied to physically regulate biological systems but scarcely compared with each other, especially at identical vibrational frequencies, though they both involve resonant mechanism. Taking cell proliferation and migration as typical cell-level models, herein, we comparatively studied the nonthermal bioeffects of MIRS and VSC with selecting the identical frequency (53.5 THz) of the carbonyl vibration. We found that both MIRS and VSC can notably increase the proliferation rate and migration capacity of fibroblasts. Transcriptome sequencing results reflected the differential expression of genes related to the corresponding cellular pathways. This work not only sheds light on the synergistic nonthermal bioeffects from the molecular level to the cell level but also provides new evidence and insights for modifying bioreactions, further applying MIRS and VSC to the future medicine of frequencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingkun Niu
- Quantum Biophotonic Lab, Key Laboratory of Optical Technology and Instrument for Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering,
University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Zhongyu Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine,
The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan 250013, China
- School of Radiology,
Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250024, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Shaojie Hou
- Quantum Biophotonic Lab, Key Laboratory of Optical Technology and Instrument for Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering,
University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
- The School of Biomedical Engineering,
Guangzhou Medical University, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Shihao Liu
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Xinmin Zhao
- Quantum Biophotonic Lab, Key Laboratory of Optical Technology and Instrument for Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering,
University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Liping Wang
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Quantum Biophotonic Lab, Key Laboratory of Optical Technology and Instrument for Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering,
University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
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16
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Yuan Y, Zhang J, Li C, Li H, Han Y, Lou J. Ultrafast light-driven metasurfaces with an ultra-broadband frequency agile channel for sensing. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 38639481 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06686j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Active terahertz metasurface devices have been widely used in communication technology, optical computing and biosensing. However, numerous dynamically tunable metasurfaces are only operating at a single frequency point or in a narrow range, limiting the further possibility of the devices to meet contemporary broad-spectrum biosensing requirements. In this paper, a novel compact biosensor is proposed with an ultrawide resonance frequency agile channel shifted from 0.82 to 1.85 THz, with a tuning functionality up to 55.7%. In addition, under optical pumping irradiation, the modulator with ultra-fast response is able to complete the ultra-wideband resonant mode conversion from the Fano mode to the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) mode within 4 ps, and achieves a frequency shift sensitivity of 118 GHz RIU-1 and 247 GHz RIU-1 at 0.82 and 1.85 THz, respectively. This mechanism implements both refractive index and conductivity sensing functions, which provide a wealth of sensing information. Thus, this work presents the possibility of realising the detection of ultra-wide fingerprint spectra and can be extended to a wider range of optical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifang Yuan
- School of Physics, Xidian University, Xi'an 700071, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Air and Missile Defense College, Air Force Engineering University, Xi'an 710051, China
| | - Chenyu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Hong Li
- GBA Research Institute of AIRCAS, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Yiping Han
- School of Physics, Xidian University, Xi'an 700071, China
| | - Jing Lou
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
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17
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Cai Y, Chen Y, Dorfman K, Xin X, Wang X, Huang K, Wu E. Mid-infrared single-photon upconversion spectroscopy enabled by nonlocal wavelength-to-time mapping. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl3503. [PMID: 38640245 PMCID: PMC11029809 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl3503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Ultrasensitive spectroscopy is an essential component in mid-infrared (MIR) technology. However, the drawbacks of MIR detectors pose challenges to robust MIR spectroscopy at the single-photon level. We propose an MIR single-photon frequency upconversion spectroscopy nonlocally mapping the MIR information to the time domain. Broadband MIR photons from spontaneous parametric downconversion are frequency-upconverted to the near-infrared band with quantum correlation preservation. Via the group delay of fiber, the MIR spectral information within a 1.18-micrometer bandwidth of 2.76 to 3.94 micrometers is then successfully projected to arrival times of correlated photon pairs. Under the conditions of 6.4 × 106 photons per second illumination, the transmission spectra of polymers with single-photon sensitivity are demonstrated using single-pixel detectors. The developed approach circumvents scanning and frequency selection instability, which stands out for its inherent compatibility for evolving environments and scalability for various wavelengths. Because of its high sensitivity and robustness, characterization of biochemical samples and weak measurement of quantum systems are possible to foresee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Optics, Chongqing Institute of East China Normal University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Konstantin Dorfman
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Center for Theoretical Physics and School of Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Himalayan Institute for Advanced Study, Unit of Gopinath Seva Foundation, MIG 38, Avas Vikas, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249201, India
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Xiaoning Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Kun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Optics, Chongqing Institute of East China Normal University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - E Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Optics, Chongqing Institute of East China Normal University, Chongqing 401120, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
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18
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Shang S, Gao F, Zhang Q, Song T, Wang W, Liu D, Gong Y, Lu X. 0.263 terahertz irradiation induced genes expression changes in Caenorhabditis elegans. iScience 2024; 27:109391. [PMID: 38532884 PMCID: PMC10963221 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The biosafety of terahertz (THz) waves has emerged as a new area of concern with the gradual application of terahertz radiation. Even though many studies have been conducted to investigate the influence of THz radiation on living organisms, the biological effects of terahertz waves have not yet been fully revealed. In this study, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was used to evaluate the biological consequences of whole-body exposure to 0.263 THz irradiation. The integration of transcriptome sequencing and behavioral tests of C. elegans revealed that high-power THz irradiation damaged the epidermal ultrastructures, inhibited the expression of the cuticle collagen genes, and impaired the movement of C. elegans. Moreover, the genes involved in the immune system and the neural system were dramatically down-regulated by high-power THz irradiation. Our findings offer fresh perspectives on the biological impacts of high-power THz radiation that could cause epidermal damage and provoke a systemic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Shang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Fei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Tao Song
- Terahertz Science and Technology Research Center, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Terahertz Science and Technology Research Center, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Diwei Liu
- Terahertz Science and Technology Research Center, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yubin Gong
- Terahertz Science and Technology Research Center, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, Shaanxi, P.R. China
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19
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Deng S, Li Z, Yuan L, Zeng H. An Exceptionally Active and Highly Selective Perchlorate Transporter Containing a Trimesic Amide Scaffold. Molecules 2024; 29:1118. [PMID: 38474632 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We report here a series of alkyl group-modified trimesic amide molecules (TAs) with excellent anion transport activities. Among them, TA6, with the highest ion transport activity and excellent selectivity, efficiently transports anions across the membrane in the order of ClO4- > I- > NO3- > Br- > Cl-, with an EC50 value as low as 17.6 nM (0.022 mol% relative to lipid molecules) for ClO4-, which outperforms other anions by 5- to 22-folds and manifests as the best perchlorate transporter ever reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaowen Deng
- College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou 425100, China
| | - Zhongyan Li
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou 425100, China
| | - Huaqiang Zeng
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
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20
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Zhao X, Ding W, Wang H, Wang Y, Liu Y, Li Y, Liu C. Structural Insights and Influence of Terahertz Waves in Midinfrared Region on Kv1.2 Channel Selectivity Filter. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:9702-9713. [PMID: 38434859 PMCID: PMC10905694 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Potassium ion channels are the structural basis for excitation transmission, heartbeat, and other biological processes. The selectivity filter is a critical structural component of potassium ion channels, whose structure is crucial to realizing their function. As biomolecules vibrate and rotate at frequencies in the terahertz band, potassium ion channels are sensitive to terahertz waves. Therefore, it is worthwhile to investigate how the terahertz wave influences the selectivity filter of the potassium channels. In this study, we investigate the structure of the selectivity filter of Kv1.2 potassium ion channels using molecular dynamics simulations. The effect of an electric field on the channel has been examined at four different resonant frequencies of the carbonyl group in SF: 36.75 37.06, 37.68, and 38.2 THz. As indicated by the results, 376GLY appears to be the critical residue in the selectivity filter of the Kv1.2 channel. Its dihedral angle torsion is detrimental to the channel structural stability and the transmembrane movement of potassium ions. 36.75 THz is the resonance frequency of the carbonyl group of 376GLY. Among all four frequencies explored, the applied terahertz electric field of this frequency has the most significant impact on the channel structure, negatively impacting the channel stability and reducing the ion permeability by 20.2% compared to the absence of fields. In this study, we simulate that terahertz waves in the mid-infrared frequency region can significantly alter the structure and function of potassium ion channels and that the effects of terahertz waves differ greatly based on frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhao
- Key Laboratory
for Physical
Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic
and Information Engineering, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Wen Ding
- Key Laboratory
for Physical
Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic
and Information Engineering, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Hongguang Wang
- Key Laboratory
for Physical
Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic
and Information Engineering, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Yize Wang
- Key Laboratory
for Physical
Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic
and Information Engineering, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Yanjiang Liu
- Key Laboratory
for Physical
Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic
and Information Engineering, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Yongdong Li
- Key Laboratory
for Physical
Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic
and Information Engineering, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Chunliang Liu
- Key Laboratory
for Physical
Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic
and Information Engineering, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, China
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21
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Yin J, Wu K, Yu Y, Zhong Y, Song Z, Chang C, Liu G. Terahertz Photons Inhibit Cancer Cells Long Term by Suppressing Nano Telomerase Activity. ACS NANO 2024; 18:4796-4810. [PMID: 38261783 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Telomeres are nanoscale DNA-protein complexes to protect and stabilize chromosomes. The reexpression of telomerase in cancer cells is a key determinant crucial for the infinite proliferation and long-term survival of most cancer cells. However, the use of telomerase inhibitors for cancer treatment may cause problems such as poor specificity, drug resistance, and cytotoxicity. Here, we discovered a nondrug and noninvasive terahertz modulation strategy capable of the long-term suppression of cancer cells by inhibiting telomerase activity. First, we found that an optimized frequency of 33 THz photon irradiation effectively inhibited the telomerase activity by molecular dynamics simulation and frequency filtering experiments. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that telomerase activity in 4T1 and MCF-7 cells significantly decreased by 77% and 80% respectively, after 21 days of regular 33 THz irradiation. Furthermore, two kinds of cells were found to undergo aging, apoptosis, and DNA double-strand breaks caused by telomere crisis, which seriously affected the survival of cancer cells. In addition, the tumorigenicity of 4T1 cells irradiated with 33 THz waves for 21 days in in vivo mice decreased by 70%. In summary, this study demonstrates the potential application of THz modulation in nano therapy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkai Yin
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Kaijie Wu
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yun Yu
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Life Science and Technology and Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yuan Zhong
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zihua Song
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Chao Chang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Guozhi Liu
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
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22
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Wu K, He Y, Chen K, Cui M, Yang Z, Yuan Y, Tian Y, Peng W. Enhancement of K + channel permeation by selective terahertz excitation. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 305:123538. [PMID: 37866260 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.123538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
The optical excitation effects offer an opportunity to gain insights into the structure and the function of K+ channel, contributing to the prediction of possible targets for drug design and precision therapy. Although there has been increasing research attention on the modulation of ion permeation in K+ channel by terahertz electromagnetic (THz-EM) stimuli, little exploration has been conducted regarding the dependence of ion permeation on frequencies. By using two-dimensional (2D) infrared excitation spectrum calculation for the K+ channel, we have discovered that the frequency of 53.60 THz serves as an optimal excitation modulation mode. This mode leads to an almost twofold enhancement in the rate of K+ ion permeation and a tenfold increase in selectivity efficiency. These improvements can be attributed to the coupling mode matching of the excited properties of CO groups in the K+ channel. Our findings propose a promising application of terahertz technology to improve the performance of ion channels, nanomembrane sieves, nanodevices, as well as neural therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijie Wu
- Cross Research Center of Frontier Technology, National Institute of Science and Technology Innovation for National Defense, Beijing 100071, China; Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yong He
- School of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Mengda Cui
- Cross Research Center of Frontier Technology, National Institute of Science and Technology Innovation for National Defense, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zhikai Yang
- Cross Research Center of Frontier Technology, National Institute of Science and Technology Innovation for National Defense, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yifang Yuan
- Cross Research Center of Frontier Technology, National Institute of Science and Technology Innovation for National Defense, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yuchen Tian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Wenyu Peng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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23
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Wang Y, Wang H, Ding W, Zhao X, Li Y, Liu C. Effect of THz Waves of Different Orientations on K + Permeation Efficiency in the KcsA Channel. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:429. [PMID: 38203598 PMCID: PMC10779155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010429] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Potassium (K) channels show the highest variability and most frequent alterations in expression in many tumor types, and modulation of K+ channels may represent a new window for cancer therapy. In previous work, we found that a terahertz (THz) field incident along the z-axis with a frequency of 51.87 THz increased the ion flux through K+ channels. In practice, it is difficult to ensure that the incident electromagnetic (EM) wave is strictly parallel to the direction of channel ion flow. In this paper, we found by changing the direction of the applied electric field that the EM wave of a specific frequency has the largest ion flux when the incident direction is along the ion flow, and the smallest ion flux when the incident direction is perpendicular to the ion flow, and that overall the EM wave of this frequency enhances the ion flow of the K+ channel. Changes in the direction of the applied field at a specific frequency affect the stability of the φ dihedral angle of the GLY77 residue and alter the ion permeation mechanism in the selectivity filter (SF) region, thus affecting the ion flux. Therefore, this frequency can be used to modulate K+ fluxes by THz waves to cause rapid apoptosis in potassium-overloaded tumor cells. This approach consequently represents an important tool for the treatment of cancer and is expected to be applied in practical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yize Wang
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; (Y.W.); (W.D.); (X.Z.); (Y.L.); (C.L.)
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Hongguang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; (Y.W.); (W.D.); (X.Z.); (Y.L.); (C.L.)
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Wen Ding
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; (Y.W.); (W.D.); (X.Z.); (Y.L.); (C.L.)
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; (Y.W.); (W.D.); (X.Z.); (Y.L.); (C.L.)
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Yongdong Li
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; (Y.W.); (W.D.); (X.Z.); (Y.L.); (C.L.)
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Chunliang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; (Y.W.); (W.D.); (X.Z.); (Y.L.); (C.L.)
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
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24
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Yu Y, Wu K, Yang X, Long J, Chang C. Terahertz Photons Improve Cognitive Functions in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0278. [PMID: 38111677 PMCID: PMC10726292 DOI: 10.34133/research.0278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychosis leading to cognitive impairment. To restore cognitive functions for patients, the main treatments are based on medication or rehabilitation training but with limited effectiveness and strong side effects. Here, we demonstrate a new treatment approach for PTSD by using terahertz (THz) photons stimulating the hippocampal CA3 subregion. We verified that this method can nonthermally restore cognitive function in PTSD rats in vivo. After THz photon irradiation, the PTSD rats' recognitive index improved by about 10% in a novel object recognition test, the PTSD rats' accuracy improved by about 100% in a shuttler box test, the PTSD rats' numbers to identify target box was about 5 times lower in a Barnes maze test, and the rate of staying in new arm increased by approximately 40% in a Y-maze test. Further experimental studies found that THz photon (34.5 THz) irradiation could improve the expression of NR2B (increased by nearly 40%) and phosphorylated NR2B (increased by about 50%). In addition, molecular dynamics simulations showed that THz photons at a frequency of 34.5 THz are mainly absorbed by the pocket of glutamate receptors rather than by glutamate molecules. Moreover, the binding between glutamate receptors and glutamate molecules was increased by THz photons. This study offers a nondrug, nonthermal approach to regulate the binding between the excitatory neurotransmitter (glutamate) and NR2B. By increasing synaptic plasticity, it effectively improves the cognitive function of animals with PTSD, providing a promising treatment strategy for NR2B-related cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yu
- School of Life Science and Technology,
Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics,
National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Kaijie Wu
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics,
National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics,
National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jiangang Long
- School of Life Science and Technology,
Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Chao Chang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics,
National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Physics,
Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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25
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Chen C, Yan ZS, Ma YQ, Ding HM. Effect of Terahertz Waves on the Structure of the Aβ42 Monomer, Dimer, and Protofibril: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:4128-4138. [PMID: 37983764 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00485] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) and its assemblies play important roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies conducted by experimental and computational researchers have extensively explored the structure, assembly, and influence of biomolecules and cell membranes on Aβ. However, the impact of terahertz waves on the structures of Aβ monomers and aggregates remains largely unexplored. In this study, we systematically investigate the molecular mechanisms by which terahertz waves affect the structure of the Aβ42 monomer, dimer, and tetramer through all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our findings indicate that terahertz waves at a specific frequency (42.55 THz) can enhance intramolecular and intermolecular interactions in the Aβ42 monomer and dimer, respectively, by resonating with the symmetric stretching mode of the -COO- groups and the symmetric bending/stretching mode of -CH3 groups. Consequently, the β-structure content of the Aβ42 monomer is greatly increased, and the binding energy between the monomers in the Aβ42 dimer is significantly enhanced. Additionally, our observations suggest that terahertz waves can mildly stabilize the structure of tetrameric protofibrils by enhancing the interactions among peripheral peptides. Furthermore, we also investigated the effect of the frequency of terahertz waves on the structure of Aβ42. The present study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of external fields on the biobehavior of Aβ42 peptides and may shed some light on the potential risks associated with electromagnetic field radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Zeng-Shuai Yan
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yu-Qiang Ma
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hong-Ming Ding
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
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26
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Tang M, Zhang M, Fu Y, Chen L, Li D, Zhang H, Yang Z, Wang C, Xiu P, Wilksch JJ, Luo Y, Han J, Yang H, Wang H. Terahertz label-free detection of nicotine-induced neural cell changes and the underlying mechanisms. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 241:115697. [PMID: 37751650 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Nicotine exposure can lead to neurological impairments and brain tumors, and a label-free and nondestructive detection technique is urgently required by the scientific community to assess the effects of nicotine on neural cells. Herein, a terahertz (THz) time-domain attenuated total reflection (TD-ATR) spectroscopy approach is reported, by which the effects of nicotine on normal and cancerous neural cells, i.e., HEB and U87 cells, are successfully investigated in a label/stain-free and nondestructive manner. The obtained THz absorption coefficients of HEB cells exposed to low-dose nicotine and high-dose nicotine are smaller and larger, respectively, than the untreated cells. In contrast, the THz absorption coefficients of U87 cells treated by nicotine are always smaller than the untreated cells. The THz absorption coefficients can be well related to the proliferation properties (cell number and compositional changes) and morphological changes of neural cells, by which different types of neural cells are differentiated and the viabilities of neural cells treated by nicotine are reliably assessed. Collectively, this work sheds new insights on the effects of nicotine on neural cells, and provides a useful tool (THz TD-ATR spectroscopy) for the study of chemical-cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Tang
- Research Center of Super-Resolution Optics & Chongqing Engineering Research Center of High-Resolution and Three-Dimensional Dynamic Imaging Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Mingkun Zhang
- Research Center of Super-Resolution Optics & Chongqing Engineering Research Center of High-Resolution and Three-Dimensional Dynamic Imaging Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Ying Fu
- Research Center of Super-Resolution Optics & Chongqing Engineering Research Center of High-Resolution and Three-Dimensional Dynamic Imaging Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Ligang Chen
- Research Center of Super-Resolution Optics & Chongqing Engineering Research Center of High-Resolution and Three-Dimensional Dynamic Imaging Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Dandan Li
- Research Center of Super-Resolution Optics & Chongqing Engineering Research Center of High-Resolution and Three-Dimensional Dynamic Imaging Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Research Center of Super-Resolution Optics & Chongqing Engineering Research Center of High-Resolution and Three-Dimensional Dynamic Imaging Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Zhongbo Yang
- Research Center of Super-Resolution Optics & Chongqing Engineering Research Center of High-Resolution and Three-Dimensional Dynamic Imaging Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Chunlei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Peng Xiu
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Jonathan J Wilksch
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yang Luo
- Center of Smart Laboratory and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Jiaguang Han
- Center for Terahertz Waves and College of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Haijun Yang
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201204, China.
| | - Huabin Wang
- Research Center of Super-Resolution Optics & Chongqing Engineering Research Center of High-Resolution and Three-Dimensional Dynamic Imaging Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China.
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27
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Liu M, Liu J, Liang W, Lu B, Fan P, Song Y, Wang M, Wu Y, Cai X. Recent advances and research progress on microsystems and bioeffects of terahertz neuromodulation. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:143. [PMID: 38025884 PMCID: PMC10643571 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00612-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Terahertz waves can interact with the nervous system of organisms under certain conditions. Compared to common optical modulation methods, terahertz waves have the advantages of low photon energy and low risk; therefore, the use of terahertz waves to regulate the nervous system is a promising new method of neuromodulation. However, most of the research has focused on the use of terahertz technology for biodetection, while relatively little research has been carried out on the biological effects of terahertz radiation on the nervous system, and there are almost no review papers on this topic. In the present article, we begin by reviewing principles and objects of research regarding the biological effects of terahertz radiation and summarizing the current state of related research from a variety of aspects, including the bioeffects of terahertz radiation on neurons in vivo and in vitro, novel regulation and detection methods with terahertz radiation devices and neural microelectrode arrays, and theoretical simulations of neural information encoding and decoding. In addition, we discuss the main problems and their possible causes and give some recommendations on possible future breakthroughs. This paper will provide insight and assistance to researchers in the fields of neuroscience, terahertz technology and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Juntao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Wei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China
| | - Botao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Penghui Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Yilin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Mixia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Yirong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Xinxia Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
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28
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Ko CM, Then CK, Kuo YM, Lin YK, Shen SC. Far-Infrared Ameliorates Pb-Induced Renal Toxicity via Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel-Mediated Calcium Influx. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15828. [PMID: 37958813 PMCID: PMC10649088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115828] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Far-infrared (FIR), characterized by its specific electromagnetic wavelengths, has emerged as an adjunctive therapeutic strategy for various diseases, particularly in ameliorating manifestations associated with renal disorders. Although FIR was confirmed to possess antioxidative and anti-inflammatory attributes, the intricate cellular mechanisms through which FIR mitigates lead (Pb)-induced nephrotoxicity remain enigmatic. In this study, we investigated the effects of FIR on Pb-induced renal damage using in vitro and in vivo approaches. NRK52E rat renal cells exposed to Pb were subsequently treated with ceramic-generated FIR within the 9~14 μm range. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) enabled quantitative Pb concentration assessment, while proteomic profiling unraveled intricate cellular responses. In vivo investigations used Wistar rats chronically exposed to lead acetate (PbAc) at 6 g/L in their drinking water for 15 weeks, with or without a concurrent FIR intervention. Our findings showed that FIR upregulated the voltage-gated calcium channel, voltage-dependent L type, alpha 1D subunit (CaV1.3), and myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) (p < 0.05), resulting in increased calcium influx (p < 0.01), the promotion of mitochondrial activity, and heightened ATP production. Furthermore, the FIR intervention effectively suppressed ROS production, concurrently mitigating Pb-induced cellular death. Notably, rats subjected to FIR exhibited significantly reduced blood Pb levels (30 vs. 71 μg/mL; p < 0.01), attenuated Pb-induced glomerulosclerosis, and enhanced Pb excretion compared to the controls. Our findings suggest that FIR has the capacity to counteract Pb-induced nephrotoxicity by modulating calcium influx and optimizing mitochondrial function. Overall, our data support FIR as a novel therapeutic avenue for Pb toxicity in the kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Meng Ko
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (C.-M.K.); (Y.-M.K.)
| | - Chee-Kin Then
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Ming Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (C.-M.K.); (Y.-M.K.)
| | - Yen-Kuang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Athletics and Coaching Science, National Taiwan Sport University, Taoyuan 33301, Taiwan
| | - Shing-Chuan Shen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (C.-M.K.); (Y.-M.K.)
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- International Master and Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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Bo W, Che R, Liu Q, Zhang X, Hou Y, Gong Y. Investigations on Na+, K+-ATPase energy consumption in ion flow of hydrophilic pores by THz unipolar stimulation. iScience 2023; 26:107849. [PMID: 37766988 PMCID: PMC10520936 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107849] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Terahertz science and technology has recently shown new application prospects in artificial intelligence. It is found that terahertz unipolar stimulation can activate cell membrane hydrophilic pores. However, the behaviors of Na+, K+-ATPase and energy consumption during this period remain unknown. This paper investigates these behaviors by Na+, K+-ATPase and electroporation models, based on the interaction theory between terahertz fields and ions at the cellular level. The effective diameters of life ions are considered in the aqueous solution. From results, Na+, K+-ATPases can be activated and stay for a while before close after the stimulation. Their life ion flows are far lower than the flows via the pores. And their power dissipation is as low as 10-11 W in both rat neostriatal neurons and guinea pig ventricular myocytes. The results keep tenable in 0.1-1.2 THz. These lay the basis for investigations of information communication mechanisms in cells under terahertz stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfei Bo
- College of Information and Communication, National University of Defense Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Rong Che
- College of Information and Communication, National University of Defense Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- College of Information and Communication, National University of Defense Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- College of Information and Communication, National University of Defense Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Yintao Hou
- College of Information and Communication, National University of Defense Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Yubin Gong
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
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30
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Wang X, Zhang Y. Potential terahertz therapeutic strategy for the prevention or mitigation of Alzheimer's disease pathology. LIGHT, SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS 2023; 12:254. [PMID: 37852990 PMCID: PMC10584934 DOI: 10.1038/s41377-023-01289-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
With terahertz irradiation with a specific frequency, the fibrotic progression of β-amyloid oligomers is suppressed, which provides a potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinke Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Metamaterials and Devices, Key Laboratory of Terahertz Optoelectronics, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Imaging Theory and Technology, Department of Physics, Capital Normal University, 100048, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Metamaterials and Devices, Key Laboratory of Terahertz Optoelectronics, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Imaging Theory and Technology, Department of Physics, Capital Normal University, 100048, Beijing, China.
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31
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Zhao Y, Yang K, Su J. Effect of terahertz electromagnetic field on single-file water transport through a carbon nanotube. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:25659-25669. [PMID: 37721212 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp03075j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
With the advancement in terahertz technology, the terahertz electromagnetic field has been proven to be an effective strategy to tune the nanofluidic transport. In this study, we utilize molecular dynamics simulations to systematically analyze the transport of single-file water through a carbon nanotube (CNT) under terahertz electromagnetic fields, focusing on the CNT length, field strength, polarization direction and frequency. Strikingly, with the increase in field strength, the water flow exhibits a transition from normal to super permeation states because of the resonance effect, and the threshold field shifts to low values for long CNTs. The field component parallel to the CNT axis contributes to the resonance effect and increasing water flow, but the vertical component maintains the structure of the single-file water chain and even impedes the water flow. As a result, for a continuous change of field direction, the water flow changes from super permeation to normal states. With the increase in field frequency, the water flow also changes from super permeation to normal or even frozen states, where a higher frequency is required to trigger the super permeation states for lower field strength. Our results provide a comprehensive insight into the effect of terahertz electromagnetic field on the transport of single-file water chains and should have great implications for designing novel nanofluidic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunzhen Zhao
- GBA Branch of Aerospace Information Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Terahertz Quantum Electromagnetics, Guangzhou 510700, China.
| | - Keda Yang
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Jiaye Su
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Semiconductor Microstructure and Quantum Sensing, and Department of Applied Physics, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
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32
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Zhang Q, Yang L, Wang K, Guo L, Ning H, Wang S, Gong Y. Terahertz waves regulate the mechanical unfolding of tau pre-mRNA hairpins. iScience 2023; 26:107572. [PMID: 37664616 PMCID: PMC10470126 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107572] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Intermolecular interactions, including hydrogen bonds, dominate the pairing and unpairing of nucleic acid chains in the transfer process of genetic information. The energy of THz waves just matches with the weak interactions, so THz waves may interact with biomolecules. Here, the dynamic effects of THz electromagnetic (EM) waves on the mechanical unfolding process of RNA hairpins (WT-30nt and its mutants, rHP, SARS-CoV-2, and SRV-1 SF206) are investigated using steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations. The results show that THz waves can either promote the unfolding of the double helix of the RNA hairpin during the initial unfolding phase (4-21.8 THz) or significantly enhance (23.8 and 25.5 THz) or weaken (37.4 and 41.2 THz) its structural stability during unfolding. Our findings have important implications for applying THz waves to regulate dynamic deconvolution processes, such as gene replication, transcription, and translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China
| | - Lixia Yang
- School of Physics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China
| | - Kaicheng Wang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China
| | - Lianghao Guo
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China
| | - Hui Ning
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China
| | - Yubin Gong
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, China
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Zhao X, Ding W, Wang H, Wang Y, Liu Y, Li Y, Liu C. Permeability enhancement of Kv1.2 potassium channel by a terahertz electromagnetic field. J Chem Phys 2023; 159:045101. [PMID: 37486058 DOI: 10.1063/5.0143648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As biomolecules vibrate and rotate in the terahertz band, the biological effects of terahertz electromagnetic fields have drawn considerable attention from the physiological and medical communities. Ion channels are the basis of biological electrical signals, so studying the effect of terahertz electromagnetic fields on ion channels is significant. In this paper, the effect of a terahertz electromagnetic field with three different frequencies, 6, 15, and 25 THz, on the Kv1.2 potassium ion channel was investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that an electromagnetic field with a 15 THz frequency can significantly enhance the permeability of the Kv1.2 potassium ion channel, which is 1.7 times higher than without an applied electric field. By analyzing the behavior of water molecules, it is found that the electromagnetic field with the 15 THz frequency shortens the duration of frozen and relaxation processes when potassium ions pass through the channel, increases the proportion of the direct knock-on mode, and, thus, enhances the permeability of the Kv1.2 potassium ion channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Wen Ding
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Hongguang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Yize Wang
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Yanjiang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Yongdong Li
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Chunliang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
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Ding W, Zhao X, Wang H, Wang Y, Liu Y, Gong L, Lin S, Liu C, Li Y. Effect of Terahertz Electromagnetic Field on the Permeability of Potassium Channel Kv1.2. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10271. [PMID: 37373419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210271] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, the influence of external terahertz electromagnetic fields with different frequencies of 4 THz, 10 THz, 15 THz, and 20 THz on the permeability of the Kv1.2 voltage-gated potassium ion channel on the nerve cell membrane was studied using the combined model of the "Constant Electric Field-Ion Imbalance" method by molecular dynamics. We found that although the applied terahertz electric field does not produce strong resonance with the -C=O groups of the conservative sequence T-V-G-Y-G amino acid residue of the selective filter (SF) of the channel, it would affect the stability of the electrostatic bond between potassium ions and the carbonyl group of T-V-G-Y-G of SF, and it would affect the stability of the hydrogen bond between water molecules and oxygen atoms of the hydroxyl group of the 374THR side chain at the SF entrance, changing the potential and occupied states of ions in the SF and the occurrence probability of the permeation mode of ions and resulting in the change in the permeability of the channel. Compared with no external electric field, when the external electric field with 15 THz frequency is applied, the lifetime of the hydrogen bond is reduced by 29%, the probability of the "soft knock on" mode is decreased by 46.9%, and the ion flux of the channel is activated by 67.7%. Our research results support the view that compared to "direct knock-on", "soft knock-on" is a slower permeation mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Ding
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Hongguang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yize Wang
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yanjiang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Lirong Gong
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Chunliang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yongdong Li
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
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35
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Wu X, Kong D, Hao S, Zeng Y, Yu X, Zhang B, Dai M, Liu S, Wang J, Ren Z, Chen S, Sang J, Wang K, Zhang D, Liu Z, Gui J, Yang X, Xu Y, Leng Y, Li Y, Song L, Tian Y, Li R. Generation of 13.9-mJ Terahertz Radiation from Lithium Niobate Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2208947. [PMID: 36932897 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Extremely strong-field terahertz (THz) radiation in free space has compelling applications in nonequilibrium condensed matter state regulation, all-optical THz electron acceleration and manipulation, THz biological effects, etc. However, these practical applications are constrained by the absence of high-intensity, high-efficiency, high-beam-quality, and stable solid-state THz light sources. Here, the generation of single-cycle 13.9-mJ extreme THz pulses from cryogenically cooled lithium niobate crystals and a 1.2% energy conversion efficiency from 800 nm to THz are demonstrated experimentally using the tilted pulse-front technique driven by a home-built 30-fs, 1.2-Joule Ti:sapphire laser amplifier. The focused peak electric field strength is estimated to be 7.5 MV cm-1 . A record of 1.1-mJ THz single-pulse energy at a 450 mJ pump at room temperature is produced and observed that the self-phase modulation of the optical pump can induce THz saturation behavior from the crystals in the substantially nonlinear pump regime. This study lays the foundation for the generation of sub-Joule THz radiation from lithium niobate crystals and will inspire more innovations in extreme THz science and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Wu
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, and School of Cyber Science and Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Zhangjiang Laboratory, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Deyin Kong
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, and School of Cyber Science and Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Zhangjiang Laboratory, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Sibo Hao
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, and School of Cyber Science and Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yushan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics and CAS Center for Excellence in Ultra-intense Laser Science, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Xieqiu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics and CAS Center for Excellence in Ultra-intense Laser Science, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Baolong Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Mingcong Dai
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, and School of Cyber Science and Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shaojie Liu
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, and School of Cyber Science and Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, and School of Cyber Science and Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zejun Ren
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, and School of Cyber Science and Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Sai Chen
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, and School of Cyber Science and Technology, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jianhua Sang
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics and CAS Center for Excellence in Ultra-intense Laser Science, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Kang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics and CAS Center for Excellence in Ultra-intense Laser Science, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics and CAS Center for Excellence in Ultra-intense Laser Science, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Zhongkai Liu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- ShanghaiTech Laboratory for Topological Physics, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jiayan Gui
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics and CAS Center for Excellence in Ultra-intense Laser Science, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Xiaojun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics and CAS Center for Excellence in Ultra-intense Laser Science, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Yi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics and CAS Center for Excellence in Ultra-intense Laser Science, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Yuxin Leng
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics and CAS Center for Excellence in Ultra-intense Laser Science, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Yutong Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Liwei Song
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics and CAS Center for Excellence in Ultra-intense Laser Science, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Ye Tian
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics and CAS Center for Excellence in Ultra-intense Laser Science, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Ruxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics and CAS Center for Excellence in Ultra-intense Laser Science, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China
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Arai N, Yamamoto E, Koishi T, Hirano Y, Yasuoka K, Ebisuzaki T. Wetting hysteresis induces effective unidirectional water transport through a fluctuating nanochannel. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2023; 8:652-661. [PMID: 36883765 DOI: 10.1039/d2nh00563h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
We propose a water pump that actively transports water molecules through nanochannels. Spatially asymmetric noise fluctuations imposed on the channel radius cause unidirectional water flow without osmotic pressure, which can be attributed to hysteresis in the cyclic transition between the wetting/drying states. We show that the water transport depends on fluctuations, such as white, Brownian, and pink noises. Because of the high-frequency components in white noise, fast switching of open and closed states inhibits channel wetting. Conversely, pink and Brownian noises generate high-pass filtered net flow. Brownian fluctuation leads to a faster water transport rate, whereas pink noise has a higher capability to overcome pressure differences in the opposite direction. A trade-off relationship exists between the resonant frequency of the fluctuation and the flow amplification. The proposed pump can be considered as an analogy for the reversed Carnot cycle, which is the upper limit of the energy conversion efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Arai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
- Computational Astrophysics Laboratory, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Eiji Yamamoto
- Department of System Design Engineering, Keio University, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Takahiro Koishi
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Fukui, Bunkyo, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hirano
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
| | - Kenji Yasuoka
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
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Ma S, Li Z, Gong S, Lu C, Li X, Li Y. High Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation Stimulates Neuronal Growth and Hippocampal Synaptic Transmission. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13040686. [PMID: 37190651 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Terahertz waves lie within the rotation and oscillation energy levels of biomolecules, and can directly couple with biomolecules to excite nonlinear resonance effects, thus causing conformational or configuration changes in biomolecules. Based on this mechanism, we investigated the effect pattern of 0.138 THz radiation on the dynamic growth of neurons and synaptic transmission efficiency, while explaining the phenomenon at a more microscopic level. We found that cumulative 0.138 THz radiation not only did not cause neuronal death, but that it promoted the dynamic growth of neuronal cytosol and protrusions. Additionally, there was a cumulative effect of terahertz radiation on the promotion of neuronal growth. Furthermore, in electrophysiological terms, 0.138 THz waves improved synaptic transmission efficiency in the hippocampal CA1 region, and this was a slow and continuous process. This is consistent with the morphological results. This phenomenon can continue for more than 10 min after terahertz radiation ends, and these phenomena were associated with an increase in dendritic spine density. In summary, our study shows that 0.138 THz waves can modulate dynamic neuronal growth and synaptic transmission. Therefore, 0.138 terahertz waves may become a novel neuromodulation technique for modulating neuron structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqing Ma
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Zhiwei Li
- Institute of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Shixiang Gong
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Chengbiao Lu
- Henan International Key Laboratory for Noninvasive Neuromodulation, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yingwei Li
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
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Lin Y, Wu X, Wang K, Shang S, Gong Y, Zhao H, Wu D, Zhang P, Lu X. Spectral Characteristics and Functional Responses of Phospholipid Bilayers in the Terahertz Band. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087111. [PMID: 37108273 PMCID: PMC10138992 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the vibrational information encoded within the terahertz (THz) spectrum of biomolecules is critical for guiding the exploration of its functional responses to specific THz radiation wavelengths. This study investigated several important phospholipid components of biological membranes-distearoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE), dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), sphingosine phosphorylcholine (SPH), and lecithin bilayer-using THz time-domain spectroscopy. We observed similar spectral patterns for DPPC, SPH, and the lecithin bilayer, all of which contain the choline group as the hydrophilic head. Notably, the spectrum of DSPE, which has an ethanolamine head group, was different. Interestingly, density functional theory calculations confirmed that the absorption peak common to DSPE and DPPC at approximately 3.0 THz originated from a collective vibration of their similar hydrophobic tails. Accordingly, the cell membrane fluidity of RAW264.7 macrophages with irradiation at 3.1 THz was significantly enhanced, leading to improved phagocytosis. Our results highlight the importance of the spectral characteristics of the phospholipid bilayers when studying their functional responses in the THz band and suggest that irradiation at 3.1 THz is a potential non-invasive strategy to increase the fluidity of phospholipid bilayers for biomedical applications such as immune activation or drug administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyun Lin
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Xingjuan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Kaicheng Wang
- Medico-Engineering Cooperation on Applied Medicine Research Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Sen Shang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yubin Gong
- Medico-Engineering Cooperation on Applied Medicine Research Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Dai Wu
- Institute of Applied Electronics, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang 621900, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Institute of Applied Electronics, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang 621900, China
| | - Xiaoyun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
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Xiao T, Wu K, Wang P, Ding Y, Yang X, Chang C, Yang Y. Sensory input-dependent gain modulation of the optokinetic nystagmus by mid-infrared stimulation in pigeons. eLife 2023; 12:78729. [PMID: 36853228 PMCID: PMC9977280 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulation serves as a cornerstone for brain sciences and clinical applications. Recent reports suggest that mid-infrared stimulation (MIRS) causes non-thermal modulation of brain functions. Current understanding of its mechanism hampers the routine application of MIRS. Here, we examine how MIRS influences the sensorimotor transformation in awaking-behaving pigeons, from neuronal signals to behavior. We applied MIRS and electrical stimulation (ES) to the pretectal nucleus lentiformis mesencephali (nLM), an essential retinorecipient structure in the pretectum, and examined their influences on the optokinetic nystagmus, a visually guided eye movement. We found MIRS altered eye movements by modulating a specific gain depending on the strength of visual inputs, in a manner different than the effect of ES. Simultaneous extracellular recordings and stimulation showed that MIRS could either excite and inhibit the neuronal activity in the same pretectal neuron depending on its ongoing sensory responsiveness levels in awake-behaving animals. Computational simulations suggest that MIRS modulates the resonance of a carbonyl group of the potassium channel, critical to the action potential generation, altering neuronal responses to sensory inputs and as a consequence, guiding behavior. Our findings suggest that MIRS could be a promising approach toward modulating neuronal functions for brain research and treating neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Kaijie Wu
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Peiliang Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense TechnologyBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation and Sensing Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of sciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yali Ding
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xiao Yang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Chao Chang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense TechnologyBeijingChina
- School of Physics, Peking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterHefeiChina
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40
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Terahertz Waves Enhance the Permeability of Sodium Channels. Symmetry (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/sym15020427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
With the help of molecular dynamics simulations and an artificial sodium channel model, we corroborated that the application of terahertz stimulation at a characteristic frequency can largely increase the permeability of the sodium channel by a factor of 33.6. The mechanism is that the carboxylate groups in the filter region transfer the absorbed terahertz photon energy to the sodium ions, which increase the ions’ kinetic energy; this results in breaking the hydrated hydrogen bonding network between the hydrosphere layer of the ions and the carboxylate groups, thereby increasing their diffusion and reducing the energy barrier for them to cross the channel. This study on terahertz-driven particle transmembrane transport offers new ideas for targeted therapy of channel diseases and for developing novel integrated engineering systems in energy conversion and storage.
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41
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Zhao L, Yi R, Liu S, Chi Y, Tan S, Dong J, Wang H, Zhang J, Wang H, Xu X, Yao B, Wang B, Peng R. Biological responses to terahertz radiation with different power density in primary hippocampal neurons. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0267064. [PMID: 36662735 PMCID: PMC9858065 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Terahertz (THz) radiation is a valuable imaging and sensing tool which is widely used in industry and medicine. However, it biological effects including genotoxicity and cytotoxicity are lacking of research, particularly on the nervous system. In this study, we investigated how terahertz radiation with 10mW (0.12 THz) and 50 mW (0.157 THz) would affect the morphology, cell growth and function of rat hippocampal neurons in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ruhan Yi
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Sun Liu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yunliang Chi
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shengzhi Tan
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ji Dong
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Haoyu Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xinping Xu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Binwei Yao
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Bo Wang
- Central Laboratory, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, PR China
| | - Ruiyun Peng
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, PR China
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42
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Xu X, Lou J, Gao M, Wu S, Fang G, Huang Y. Ultrafast Modulation of THz Waves Based on MoTe 2-Covered Metasurface. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:1174. [PMID: 36772214 PMCID: PMC9921109 DOI: 10.3390/s23031174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The sixth generation (6G) communication will use the terahertz (THz) frequency band, which requires flexible regulation of THz waves. For the conventional metallic metasurface, its electromagnetic properties are hard to be changed once after being fabricated. To enrich the modulation of THz waves, we report an all-optically controlled reconfigurable electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) effect in the hybrid metasurface integrated with a 10-nm thick MoTe2 film. The experimental results demonstrate that under the excitation of the 800 nm femtosecond laser pulse with pump fluence of 3200 μJ/cm2, the modulation depth of THz transmission amplitude at the EIT window can reach 77%. Moreover, a group delay variation up to 4.6 ps is observed to indicate an actively tunable slow light behavior. The suppression and recovery of the EIT resonance can be accomplished within sub-nanoseconds, enabling an ultrafast THz photo-switching and providing a promising candidate for the on-chip devices of the upcoming 6G communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Xu
- Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100094, China
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation and Sensing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Lou
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Mingxin Gao
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Shiyou Wu
- Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100094, China
- Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation and Sensing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guangyou Fang
- Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100094, China
- Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation and Sensing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yindong Huang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
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43
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Shaoqing M, Zhiwei L, Shixiang G, Chengbiao L, Xiaoli L, Yingwei L. The laws and effects of terahertz wave interactions with neurons. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1147684. [PMID: 37180041 PMCID: PMC10170412 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1147684] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Terahertz waves lie within the energy range of hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. They can couple directly with proteins to excite non-linear resonance effects in proteins, and thus affect the structure of neurons. However, it remains unclear which terahertz radiation protocols modulate the structure of neurons. Furthermore, guidelines and methods for selecting terahertz radiation parameters are lacking. Methods: In this study, the propagation and thermal effects of 0.3-3 THz wave interactions with neurons were modelled, and the field strength and temperature variations were used as evaluation criteria. On this basis, we experimentally investigated the effects of cumulative radiation from terahertz waves on neuron structure. Results: The results show that the frequency and power of terahertz waves are the main factors influencing field strength and temperature in neurons, and that there is a positive correlation between them. Appropriate reductions in radiation power can mitigate the rise in temperature in the neurons, and can also be used in the form of pulsed waves, limiting the duration of a single radiation to the millisecond level. Short bursts of cumulative radiation can also be used. Broadband trace terahertz (0.1-2 THz, maximum radiated power 100 μW) with short duration cumulative radiation (3 min/day, 3 days) does not cause neuronal death. This radiation protocol can also promote the growth of neuronal cytosomes and protrusions. Discussion: This paper provides guidelines and methods for terahertz radiation parameter selection in the study of terahertz neurobiological effects. Additionally, it verifies that the short-duration cumulative radiation can modulate the structure of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ma Shaoqing
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Li Zhiwei
- Institute of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Gong Shixiang
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Lu Chengbiao
- Henan International Key Laboratory for Noninvasive Neuromodulation, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- *Correspondence: Lu Chengbiao, ; Li Xiaoli, ; Li Yingwei,
| | - Li Xiaoli
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Lu Chengbiao, ; Li Xiaoli, ; Li Yingwei,
| | - Li Yingwei
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Qinhuangdao, China
- *Correspondence: Lu Chengbiao, ; Li Xiaoli, ; Li Yingwei,
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44
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Wang Y, Wang H, Ding W, Zhao X, Li Y, Liu C. Regulation of Ion Permeation of the KcsA Channel by Applied Midinfrared Field. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010556. [PMID: 36613998 PMCID: PMC9820211 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion transport molecules are involved in many physiological and pathological processes and are considered potential targets for cancer treatment. In the large family of ion transport molecules, potassium (K) ion channels, as surface-expressed proteins, show the highest variability and most frequent expression changes in many tumor types. The key to exploring the permeation of K+ through potassium channels lies in the conserved sequence TVGYG, which is common in the selectivity filter (SF) region of all potassium channels. We found that the K+ flux significantly increased with the help of a specific frequency terahertz electromagnetic wave (51.87 THz) in the KcsA channel using a molecular dynamics combined model through the combined simulation of the constant electric field method and ion imbalance method. This frequency has the strongest absorption peak in the infrared spectrum of -C=O groups in the SF region. With the applied electric field of 51.87 THz, the Y78 residue at the S1 site of the SF has a smaller vibration amplitude and a more stable structure, which enables the K+ to bind closely with the carbonyl oxygen atoms in the SF and realize ion conduction in a more efficient direct Coulomb knock-on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yize Wang
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Hongguang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-18191765263
| | - Wen Ding
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Yongdong Li
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Chunliang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
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45
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Tan X, Zhong Y, Li R, Chang C. Neuromodulation of Chemical Synaptic Transmission Driven by THz Photons. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2022; 2022:0010. [PMID: 39285946 PMCID: PMC11404318 DOI: 10.34133/research.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Postsynaptic currents of chemical synapse are modulated by multitudinous neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, dopamine, glutamate, and γ-aminobutyric acid, many of which have been used in the treatment of neurological diseases. Here, based on molecular dynamics simulations and quantum chemical calculation, we propose that 30- to 45-THz photons can resonate with a variety of typical neurotransmitter molecules and make them absorb photon energy to activate the transition to high energy state, which is expected to be a new method of neural regulation. Furthermore, we verified the calculated results through experiments that THz irradiation could substantively change neuronal signal emission and enhance the frequency, amplitude, and dynamic properties of excitatory postsynaptic current and inhibitory postsynaptic current. In addition, we demonstrated the potential of neural information regulation by THz photons through 2-photon imaging in vivo. These findings are expected to improve the understanding of the physical mechanism of biological phenomena and facilitate the application of terahertz technology in neural regulation and the development of new functional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Tan
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- Astronaut Center of China, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuan Zhong
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ruijie Li
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Chao Chang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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46
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Shi H, Li T, Liu Z, Zhao J, Qi F. Early detection of gastric cancer via high-resolution terahertz imaging system. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1052069. [PMID: 36588946 PMCID: PMC9794757 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1052069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Terahertz (THz) wave has demonstrated a good prospect in recent years, but the resolution is still one of the problems that restrict the application of THz technology in medical imaging. Paraffin-embedded samples are mostly used in THz medical imaging studies, which are thicker and significantly different from the current gold standard slice pathological examination in sample preparation. In addition, THz absorption in different layers of normal and cancerous tissues also remains to be further explored. In this study, we constructed a high-resolution THz imaging system to scan non-tumorous adjacent tissue slices and gastric cancer (GC) tissue slices. In this system, a THz quantum cascade laser emitted a pulsed 3 THz signal and the transmitted THz wave was received by a THz detector implemented in a 65 nm CMOS process. The slice thickness was only 20 μm, which was close to that of the medical pathology examination. We successfully found THz transmittance differences between different layers of normal gastric tissues based on THz images, and the resolution could reach 60 μm for the first time. The results indicated that submucosa had a lower THz transmittance than that of mucosa and muscular layer in non-tumorous adjacent tissue. However, in GC tissue, THz transmittance of mucosa and submucosa was similar, caused by the decreased transmittance of mucosa, where the cancer occurs. Therefore, we suppose that the similar terahertz transmittance between gastric mucosa and submucosa may indicate the appearance of cancerization. The images obtained from our THz imaging system were clearer than those observed with naked eyes, and can be directly compared with microscopic images. This is the first application of THz imaging technology to identify non-tumorous adjacent tissue and GC tissue based on the difference in THz wave absorption between different layers in the tissue. Our present work not only demonstrated the potential of THz imaging to promote early diagnosis of GC, but also suggested a new direction for the identification of normal and cancerous tissues by analyzing differences in THz transmittance between different layers of tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Shi
- Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Tenghui Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhaoyang Liu
- Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Terahertz Imaging and Sensing, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Junhua Zhao
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Feng Qi
- Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Terahertz Imaging and Sensing, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
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47
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Guo L, Xu D, Wang K, Sun Y, Zhang Q, Ning H, Lu C, Wang S, Gong Y. Electromagnetic characteristics of in vivo nerve fibers at the terahertz-far-infrared band. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1055232. [PMID: 36440450 PMCID: PMC9685790 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1055232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
How terahertz signals perform in the neural system has attracted widespread interest in the life sciences community. Relevant experimental reveals that in animal nerve cells, the myelin sheath of the nerve axon has a higher refractive index than the intracellular and extracellular fluids in the Terahertz-far-infrared (THz-FIR) frequency band. This makes THz-FIR wave transmission possible in nerve fibers. Based on this premise, this article carries out the following work from the theoretical level to investigate the electromagnetic (EM) characteristics of in vivo nerve fibers at the THz-FIR band. First, the EM transmission model of the nerve fibers is established and studied theoretically. The dispersion curves of THz-FIR wave modals transmission in nerve fibers are calculated, which predict that nerve fibers can act as dielectric waveguides for transmitting THz-FIR waves and the THz-FIR waves can transmit at speeds up to 108 m/s. Second, a mode matching algorithm is proposed, which is named RNMMA, to calculate the transmission characteristics of THz-FIR waves at the nodes of Ranvier. The scattering matrix obtained from the proposed algorithm is in good agreement with the results from EM simulation software, which reveals how THz-FIR signals are transmitted forward through the nodes of Ranvier with low loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianghao Guo
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Duo Xu
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kaicheng Wang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuankun Sun
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Ning
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chang Lu
- Department of Electronic Communication and Technology, Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- National Key Lab on Vacuum Electronics, Medico-Engineering Cooperation on Applied Medicine Research Center, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yubin Gong
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- National Key Lab on Vacuum Electronics, Medico-Engineering Cooperation on Applied Medicine Research Center, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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48
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Yang RY, Jiang WZ, Huo PY. Anisotropic energy absorption from mid-infrared laser pulses in constrained water systems. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.120286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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49
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Zhang Z, Li Y, Xiang Z, Huang Y, Wang R, Chang C. Dielectric dispersion characteristics of the phospholipid bilayer with subnanometer resolution from terahertz to mid-infrared. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:984880. [PMID: 36118579 PMCID: PMC9470958 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.984880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in whether the myelinated nerve fiber acts as a dielectric waveguide to propagate terahertz to mid-infrared electromagnetic waves, which are presumed stable signal carrier for neurotransmission. The myelin sheath is formed as a multilamellar biomembrane structure, hence insights into the dielectric properties of the phospholipid bilayer is essential for a complete understanding of the myelinated fiber functioning. In this work, by means of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of the dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) bilayer in water and numerical calculations of carefully layered molecules along with calibration of optical dielectric constants, we for the first time demonstrate the spatially resolved (in sub-nm) dielectric spectrum of the phospholipid bilayer in a remarkably wide range from terahertz to mid-infrared. More specifically, the membrane head regions exhibit both larger real and imaginary permittivities than that of the tail counterparts in the majority of the 1–100 THz band. In addition, the spatial variation of dielectric properties suggests advantageous propagation characteristics of the phospholipid bilayer in a relatively wide band of 55–85 THz, where the electromagnetic waves are well confined within the head regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Zhang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yangmei Li
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zuoxian Xiang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yindong Huang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Ruixing Wang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Chang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing, China
- School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Chao Chang,
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50
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Sun L, Li Y, Yu Y, Wang P, Zhu S, Wu K, Liu Y, Wang R, Min L, Chang C. Inhibition of Cancer Cell Migration and Glycolysis by Terahertz Wave Modulation via Altered Chromatin Accessibility. Research (Wash D C) 2022. [DOI: 10.34133/2022/9860679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis and metabolic disorders contribute to most cancer deaths and are potential drug targets in cancer treatment. However, corresponding drugs inevitably induce myeloid suppression and gastrointestinal toxicity. Here, we report a nonpharmaceutical and noninvasive electromagnetic intervention technique that exhibited long-term inhibition of cancer cells. Firstly, we revealed that optical radiation at the specific wavelength of 3.6 μm (i.e., 83 THz) significantly increased binding affinity between DNA and histone via molecular dynamics simulations, providing a theoretical possibility for THz modulation- (THM-) based cancer cell intervention. Subsequent cell functional assays demonstrated that low-power 3.6 μm THz wave could successfully inhibit cancer cell migration by 50% and reduce glycolysis by 60%. Then, mRNA sequencing and assays for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) indicated that low-power THM at 3.6 μm suppressed the genes associated with glycolysis and migration by reducing the chromatin accessibility of certain gene loci. Furthermore, THM at 3.6 μm on HCT-116 cancer cells reduced the liver metastasis by 60% in a metastatic xenograft mouse model by splenic injection, successfully validated the inhibition of cancer cell migration by THM in vivo. Together, this work provides a new paradigm for electromagnetic irradiation-induced epigenetic changes and represents a theoretical basis for possible innovative therapeutic applications of THM as the future of cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Sun
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yangmei Li
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yun Yu
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Peiliang Wang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- Aerospace Information Research Institute, School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Illumination and Sensing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Shengquan Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing 100171, China
| | - Kaijie Wu
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Ruixing Wang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Li Min
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing 100171, China
| | - Chao Chang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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