Synchronization of ion exchangers by an oscillating electric field: theory

Can we physically manipulate functions of membrane proteins, such as ion exchangers, especially the active transporters? This is a fascinating question which has attracted many scientists. Recently, we developed a new technique that we call synchronization modulation with which we realized significant (many-folds) activation of Na/K pumps by a well-designed oscillating electric field. In this technique, we consider activation of the pump molecules as a dynamic entrainment procedure, where individual pumps are first entrained to run at the same pumping rate and phase as the oscillating electric field and then the two transports are electrically facilitated separately and alternately by gradually increasing the field oscillating frequency. The procedure consists of two steps: synchronization and modulation. In this paper, we discuss the underlying mechanism involved in the first step: synchronization of the pump molecules.