Terahertz Waves Enhance the Permeability of Sodium Channels

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.

Structural Insights and Influence of Terahertz Waves in Midinfrared Region on Kv1.2 Channel Selectivity Filter

“…Given that v ≪ c , the influence of the magnetic field can be neglected. These two approximate treatments of electromagnetic fields have been widely used in molecular dynamics simulation studies. ,,,,, In our simulations, an electric field of E = E 0 cos­(ω t ) was employed to simulate the influence of an electromagnetic field, where E 0 represents the field strength and ω signifies its angular frequency. The strength of the electric field used in this study is 0.4 V/nm, which is on the same order of magnitude as the field strength used in other molecular dynamics simulation studies. ,,− According to English et al, an electric field of this magnitude is reasonable and necessary in molecular dynamics simulations, since the intermolecular localized electric field is usually on the order of V/nm. − The frequencies we focus on in this paper are carbonyl vibrational frequencies in SF.…”

“…It is essential to emphasize that we utilized a classical, nonpolarized molecular dynamics simulation method. While this method is efficient and widely employed in the study of terahertz biological effects, − ,,,− it does have its limitations. Notably, it lacks the capability to account for polarization, quantum effects, and other factors.…”

“…Liu and his colleagues demonstrated that the physical field of neural information should be high-frequency electromagnetic fields within the range of terahertz to infrared, with the most probable frequency range being 0.5–100 THz, referred to as generalized terahertz waves . In recent decades, the interaction of terahertz electromagnetic waves with organisms, − cells, − and molecules ,,,− have been extensively studied. An important object among them is the ion channel due to their vital physiological roles previously mentioned.…”

“…These two approximate treatments of electromagnetic fields have been widely used in molecular dynamics simulation studies. 8,9,14,27,31,52 In our simulations, an electric field of E = E 0 cos(ωt) was employed to simulate the influence of an electromagnetic field, where E 0 represents the field strength and ω signifies its angular frequency. The strength of the electric field used in this study is 0.4 V/nm, which is on the same order of magnitude as the field strength used in other molecular dynamics simulation studies.…”

“…Regulating ion channel function is considered a means of modulating physiological processes and treating channelopathy . Research over the past few decades has indicated that ion channels can be modulated by a variety of factors, such as temperature, pH, , and electromagnetic fields. − In the context of electromagnetic fields, the terahertz wave has emerged as a recent focal point of research and is regarded as a novel tool for biological modulation. It has been proved that living organisms are sensitive to terahertz waves, as biomolecules vibrate and rotate in the terahertz band. , Therefore, terahertz is known as the light of life, and the development of terahertz technology has attracted the attention of many fields, such as physics, biology, and medicine. − Researchers are dedicated to exploring which frequencies in future terahertz technology applications might aid in disease treatments and which frequencies might need to be avoided.…”