Enhancement of K+ channel permeation by selective terahertz excitation

• Published in: Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy, 2024-01, Vol.305, p.123538, Article 123538
• Main Authors: Wu, Kaijie, He, Yong, Chen, Kun, Cui, Mengda, Yang, Zhikai, Yuan, Yifang, Tian, Yuchen, Peng, Wenyu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ion permeation; K+ channels; Molecular dynamics simulation; Terahertz wave
• ISSN: 1386-1425
• DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.123538

[Display omitted] •The properties of CO groups in K+ channel could be regulated by THz waves.•The frequencies of 53 THz and 54 THz show as the inhibitory mode.•The frequencies of 53.6 THz and 53.75 THz show as the excitatory mode.•The excitatory point of 53.6 THz could increase the ion permeability and selectivity efficiency. 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.