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Updated: Jul 24, 2025
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Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells
Published on: July 16, 2013
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Molecular machines stimulate intercellular calcium waves and cause muscle contraction
Jacob L Beckham1, Alexis R van Venrooy1, Soonyoung Kim2
1Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
Nature Nanotechnology
|July 10, 2023
Summary
Light-activated molecular machines can remotely control intercellular calcium waves (ICW) by activating signaling pathways. This breakthrough enables precise biomodulation and therapeutic strategies for essential biological activities.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Intercellular calcium waves (ICW) are crucial for biological processes like muscle contraction and gene expression.
- Remote stimulation of ICW offers potential for novel biomodulation and therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate remote stimulation of ICW using light-activated molecular machines (MM).
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of MM-induced ICW.
- To explore the potential applications of MM-induced ICW in controlling biological functions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized light-activated molecular machines (MM) composed of rotating polycyclic rotor and stator components.
- Employed live-cell calcium imaging and pharmacological experiments to track and analyze ICW.
- Investigated the role of inositol-triphosphate-mediated signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Light-activated MM successfully induced intercellular calcium waves (ICW) remotely.
- MM-induced ICW were found to be driven by the activation of inositol-triphosphate pathways via unidirectional MM rotation.
- Demonstrated control of cardiomyocyte contraction in vitro and animal behavior in vivo (Hydra vulgaris).
Conclusions:
- Light-activated molecular machines provide a novel method for remotely controlling intercellular calcium waves.
- This technology allows for direct manipulation of cell signaling and downstream biological functions at the molecular level.
- Presents a promising strategy for future therapeutic interventions and biomodulation.
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