Impacts of external electric fields on the permeation of glycerol and water molecules through aquaglyceroporin-7: molecular dynamics simulation approach

The aquaglyceroporin-7 (AQP7) protein channels facilitate the permeation of glycerol and water molecules through cell membranes by passive diffusion and play a crucial role in cell physiology. Considering the wide-spirit usage of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in our daily life, in this study, the effects of constant and GHz electric fields were investigated on the dynamics of glycerol and water molecules inside the AQP7. To this end, four different molecular simulation groups were carried out in the absence and presence of electric fields. The results reveal that the free energy profile of the glycerol permeation inside the channel is reduced in the presence of the field of 0.2 mV/nm and the oscillating field of 10 GHz. In addition, exposing the channel to the electric field of 0.2 mV/nm assisted the water transport through the channel with no considerable effect on channel stability. These observations provide a framework for understanding how such fields could alter normal operation of protein channels, which may lead to disease beginning or being used in disease treatment.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effects of constant and GHz electric fields on the dynamics of glycerol and water molecules inside the AQP7 channel. The presence of the 0.2 mV/nm and 10 GHz fields reduces the free energy profile of glycerol permeation. Additionally, the electric field of 0.2 mV/nm assists water transport through the channel without significant effects on channel stability. These findings shed light on how these fields can alter the normal functioning of protein channels, potentially contributing to disease development or treatment.