Src kinase controls signaling pathways in sensory neuron triggered by low-power infrared radiation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biophysics
• Cellular Signaling

Background:

• Low-power infrared (IR) radiation can modulate cellular functions.
• Sensory neurons play a critical role in pain and touch perception.
• The Na,K-ATPase and Src kinase are known cellular signaling components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which low-power IR radiation affects sensory neurons.
• To identify the specific signaling pathways involved in IR radiation transduction in primary sensory neurons.
• To determine if G proteins are involved in the sensory neuron response to IR radiation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized patch-clamp electrophysiology to measure NaV1.8 channel voltage sensitivity.
• Employed organotypic tissue culture of chick embryo dorsal root ganglia to assess neurite growth.
• Administered a specific Src kinase inhibitor (PP2) to block kinase activity.
• Irradiated cells and tissues with 10.6 μm CO2 laser low-power IR radiation.

Main Results:

• Low-power IR radiation (10.6 μm) decreased NaV1.8 channel voltage sensitivity and inhibited neurite growth.
• The effects of IR radiation were completely blocked by the Src kinase inhibitor PP2.
• In the presence of PP2, IR irradiation did not alter NaV1.8 channel gating or neurite growth compared to controls.
• Src kinase is implicated in the intracellular signaling triggered by low-power IR radiation.

Conclusions:

• Low-power IR radiation is sensed, amplified, and transduced by the Na,K-ATPase/Src complex in primary sensory neurons.
• This signaling mechanism is independent of G proteins.
• Src kinase plays a crucial role in the cellular response to low-power IR radiation in sensory neurons.