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Updated: Jul 4, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Ion Channels in Cancer: Characterization and Potential Treatment Approaches
Published on: June 16, 2023
Molecular Motor-Driven Light-Controlled Logic-Gated K+ Channel for Cancer Cell Apoptosis
Cong Li1,2, Yaqi Wu1,2, Yihang Zhu1
1College of Material, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Chemistry and Material Technology, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
Abstract:
Developing artificial ion transport systems, which process complicated information and step-wise regulate properties, is essential for deeply comprehending the subtle dynamic behaviors of natural channel proteins (NCPs). Here a photo-controlled logic-gated K+ channel based on single-chain random heteropolymers containing molecular motors, exhibiting multi-core processor-like properties to step-wise control ion transport is reported. Designed with oxygen, deoxygenation, and different wavelengths of light as input signals, complicated logical circuits comprising "YES", "AND", "OR" and "NOT" gate components are established. Implementing these logical circuits with K+ transport efficiencies as output signals, multiple state transitions including "ON", "Partially OFF" and "Totally OFF" in liposomes and cancer cells are realized, further causing step-wise anticancer treatments. Dramatic K+ efflux in the "ON" state (decrease by 50% within 7 min) significantly induces cancer cell apoptosis. This integrated logic-gated strategy will be expanded toward understanding the delicate mechanism underlying NCPs and treating cancer or other diseases is expected.
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