Spatiotemporal terahertz modulation enhances NMDAR-mediated miniature EPSCs
Shaolei Jiang1,2, Yuan Zhong3,4, Peng Chen3
1School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China.
Scientific Reports
|July 2, 2025
Summary
Terahertz irradiation enhances N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activity by increasing calcium (Ca²⁺) currents. This novel physical therapy approach may treat cognitive deficits and neurological disorders linked to impaired NMDAR function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biophysics
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are crucial for synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions.
- Current methods for selectively modulating NMDAR activity in the central nervous system are limited.
- Impaired NMDAR function is implicated in disorders like schizophrenia and cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of frequency-specific terahertz (THz) irradiation on NMDAR-mediated currents.
- To elucidate the underlying biophysical mechanism of THz irradiation's influence on NMDARs.
- To explore a novel physical therapy approach for neurological disorders.
Main Methods:
- Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were used to measure NMDAR-mediated miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs).
- Frequency-specific (42.5 THz) THz irradiation was applied.
- Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to analyze Ca²⁺ ion permeation through the NMDAR channel.
Main Results:
- 42.5 THz irradiation significantly enhanced the frequency and amplitude of NMDAR-mediated mEPSCs.
- MD simulations revealed that THz irradiation alters the free energy landscape of Ca²⁺ permeation.
- THz photons resonated with carboxyl groups at the Ca²⁺ binding site, increasing Ca²⁺ permeability.
Conclusions:
- Frequency-specific THz irradiation enhances NMDAR channel Ca²⁺ permeability and activity.
- This provides a novel mechanism for modulating NMDAR function.
- THz irradiation presents a potential physical therapy for cognitive deficits and neurological disorders associated with NMDAR dysfunction.
