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Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Single-Cell Calcium Imaging for Studying the Activation of Calcium Ion Channels
Published on: December 13, 2024
Regulation of Calcium Ion Channels with Conjugated Molecules for Modulating Biological Functions
Hao Zhao1,2, Fengting Lv1, Shu Wang1
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Calcium ion (Ca2+) channels play a key role in mediating cellular gene transcription and signal transduction, emerging as intriguing targets for modulating biological functions. Conjugated molecules (CMs) exhibit distinctive advantages of tunable optoelectronic properties, intrinsic bioactivities, and flexible assembly characteristics, providing various opportunities for the regulation of Ca2+ channels. In this Outlook, we introduce the CM-based external-light-reliable or -free photodynamic, the first/second near-infrared (NIR-I/II) light-enabled photothermal, and supramolecular regulations of Ca2+ channels for modulating biological functions, including cancer and thrombolysis therapy, remote neurostimulation, and glycemic management. On the other hand, the challenges and perspectives on advancing fast response time, multimodal responsiveness, targeted precision, and biosafety are also discussed, clearly mapping out future development trajectories.
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