Utilization of Photoinduced Charge-Separated State of Donor–Acceptor-Linked Molecules for Regulation of Cell Membrane Potential and Ion Transport

• Published in: Journal of the American Chemical Society Vol. 134; no. 14; pp. 6092 - 6095
• Main Authors: Numata, Tomohiro, Murakami, Tatsuya, Kawashima, Fumiaki, Morone, Nobuhiro, Heuser, John E, Takano, Yuta, Ohkubo, Kei, Fukuzumi, Shunichi, Mori, Yasuo, Imahori, Hiroshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: WASHINGTON American Chemical Society 11.04.2012; Amer Chemical Soc
• Subjects: Animals; Biological Transport; Cell Membrane - metabolism; Chemistry; Chemistry, Multidisciplinary; Ion Transport; Ions; Light; Membrane Potentials; Microscopy, Electron - methods; Models, Chemical; Molecular Conformation; Neurons - metabolism; PC12 Cells; Photochemistry - methods; Physical Sciences; Potassium - chemistry; Potassium Channels - chemistry; Rats; Science & Technology; Time Factors; TRIADS; SELF-ASSEMBLED MONOLAYERS; PORPHYRIN; K+ CHANNEL; REMOTE-CONTROL
• ISSN: 0002-7863; 1520-5126
• DOI: 10.1021/ja3007275

The control of ion transport across cell membranes by light is an attractive strategy that allows targeted, fast control of precisely defined events in the biological membrane. Here we report a novel general strategy for the control of membrane potential and ion transport by using charge-separation molecules and light. Delivery of charge-separation molecules to the plasma membrane of PC12 cells by a membranous nanocarrier and subsequent light irradiation led to depolarization of the membrane potential as well as inhibition of the potassium ion flow across the membrane. Photoregulation of the cell membrane potential and ion transport by using charge-separation molecules is highly promising for control of cell functions.