Adv Sci (Weinh). 2026 Feb 19:e20475. doi: 10.1002/advs.202520475. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Dysregulated calcium ion (Ca2+) influx is implicated in diverse channelopathies. Terahertz (THz) waves have been explored as a promising approach to modulate the influx, which primarily target resonant interactions with chemical groups in channels. Here, we demonstrate a strategy that directly regulates the motion of confined Ca2+ ions within the selectivity filter via resonant THz waves. We characterize the ions’ axial oscillations, identifying a distinct intrinsic frequency of 1.65 THz and two coherent modes. By tuning a THz electric field to this frequency, we induce a remarkable resonance excitation that lowers the energy barrier between binding sites, achieving a statistically significant enhancement of Ca2+ permeation in our model. Meanwhile, we show that the degree of coherence is precisely tunable by the resonant THz field and temperature. Furthermore, quantum mechanics analyses reveal transition frequencies and wavefunctions that validate the observed oscillation modes, confirming that the collective motion exhibits discrete quantum eigenstates. Our results introduce a proof-of-concept, ion-targeted strategy for manipulating Ca2+ permeation and propose a theoretical coherence mechanism for high-flux ions transport. This work advances the understanding of ion channel physics via a mechanism-oriented framework that lays the groundwork for exploring novel bio-electromagnetic modulation.
PMID:41710970 | DOI:10.1002/advs.202520475
