Near-infrared light activates mitochondrial potassium channels and triggers neuroprotection in hippocampal neurons
Researchers found that 820 nm near-infrared light activates mitochondrial large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels in rat hippocampal neurons and provides neuroprotective effects. The mechanism involves both acute channel activation and longer-term changes in gene expression patterns. These findings could help optimize photobiomodulation as a therapeutic approach for neurological disorders.
A preprint study demonstrates that near-infrared light at 820 nm wavelength activates mitochondrial BKCa channels in rat hippocampal mitochondria through interaction with cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in cellular respiration. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology and organotypic culture models, researchers showed that this light exposure protects neurons from NMDA-induced damage. The study employed CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to create cells lacking the BKCa channel subunit, revealing that illumination triggers two distinct protective mechanisms: an immediate effect from channel activation and a delayed effect involving significant transcriptome remodeling. These dual pathways suggest that photobiomodulation's therapeutic potential may be optimized by understanding both acute and chronic cellular responses to specific light wavelengths.
What's missing
The preprint does not specify whether findings in rat hippocampal tissue translate to human neurons, the clinical relevance of the specific 820 nm wavelength for human therapeutic applications, or whether results have been validated in vivo. Additionally, the study does not discuss potential adverse effects or optimal dosing parameters for therapeutic use.
What different sources said
- bioRxivCenter
Near-infra red light and mitochondrial large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels: protection of hippocampal neurons, influence on channel activity and transcriptome remodelling
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