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Updated: Apr 2, 2026

Purification of Active Photosystem I-Light Harvesting Complex I from Plant Tissues
Published on: February 3, 2023
Natural photosynthetic system for restoring homeostasis of animal organelle interaction network
Chen Xia1,2,3, Zhanqiu Dai1,3,4, Yongcheng Wang1,3
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Disruption of organelle interactions due to metabolic stress is a crucial factor in the pathological processes of many degenerative diseases. Compared with animal cells, the participation of chloroplasts enables plant cells to show defensive adaptation under stress. Therefore, delivering plant-derived photosynthetic systems into animal cells may help to establish a more stable organelle interaction network. Here, we show that plant-derived photosynthetic systems can effectively restore homeostasis of the interaction network of animal organelles. Specifically, plant-derived nanothylakoid units provide energy to animal cells, regulate intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, increase endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lipid unsaturation and global membrane fluidity, reduce abnormal contact between mitochondria and ER, and alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction. By combining implantable light-emitting diodes with wireless charging, we expand photosynthesis therapy, enabling treatments for deeper tissues. This study provides a proof-of-concept for disease treatment based on the regulation of organelle interaction networks by natural photosynthetic systems and establishes a therapeutic approach for treating deep tissues.
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