Light-induced modulation of the mitochondrial respiratory chain activity: possibilities and limitations

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Biological effects of lasers have been reported for some time, yet the molecular mechanisms procuring cellular responses remain obscure. We show that mitochondria serve as sub-cellular “sensor” and “effector” of laser light non-specific interactions with cells. Our findings reveal the mechanism how laser irradiation interfere with cell homeostasis and underscore that such laser irradiation permits remote control of mitochondrial function in the absence of chemical or biological agents.

Interations of cells with laser irradiation
Description
Scheme of redox signaling activation in distinct cell lines after stimulation with different laser wavelengths. ∆mΦ—mitochondrial membrane potential.

Contact: Oleg Lunov
Collaborating institutions: Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM); Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences; ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia