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Biomedical subjects

Kai Wu

Publications and source records attributed to Kai Wu.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

Interface Excitons in van der Waals Sandwich Heterostructures.

Exciton engineering in van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) is essential for next-generation optoelectronics, yet they normally require near-perfect stacking and are highly sensitive to moiré potentials. Here, we demonstrate a polarity-engineering strategy using a γ-InSe/transition metal dichalcogenide/γ-InSe sandwich heterostructure. The out-of-plane spontaneous polarization of γ-InSe intrinsically breaks interfacial inversion symmetry, giving rise to interface excitons (IFXs) that exhibit a linear Stark effect with an ultrasmall dipole moment of 0.15 e·nm. First-principles calculations and Kelvin probe force microscopy reveal asymmetric interfacial charge transfer governed by γ-InSe's polarity. Transient spectroscopy shows nonmonotonic relaxation dynamics, including a characteristic signal reversal that indicates pre-existing interfacial charge states. Our results establish that exciton dipole moments, interlayer coupling, and relaxation dynamics can be precisely tuned through material polarity and thickness. Polarity engineering thus provides a versatile and robust route to control excitonic properties in vdWHs, offering expanded design strategies for advanced excitonic and optoelectronic devices.

Stark effect

CHST5 gene mutations contribute to high myopia by disrupting collagen fiber organization.

High myopia (HM) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in working-age adults. Its pathogenesis is characterized by alterations in the microstructure and composition of collagen fibers, and genetic factors make a substantial contribution. In this study, we identify carbohydrate sulfotransferase 5 (CHST5) as a candidate gene for HM in humans and mice, with its mutations disrupting collagen fiber organization. The c.444C>A (p.S148R) variant in CHST5, a gene critical for sulfating corneal keratan sulfate (KS), completely co-segregates with HM in a Chinese family. Screening of CHST5 variants in 320 HM patients identifies two additional ones. We further find that Chst5 is expressed primarily in the cornea and sclera of mouse ocular tissues, and that the mutant protein CHST5S148R loses its Golgi localization. Homozygous mutant Chst5S126R mice exhibit HM phenotypes, including myopic refractive error (RE), significantly thinner sclera and cornea, notable microstructural changes in scleral and corneal collagen fibers, and shorter corneal KS chains. Our findings suggest that CHST5 NM_024533.5 c.444C>A (p.S148R) causes loss of proper protein localization, likely impairing its sulfotransferase function. This defect disrupts the organization of corneal and scleral collagen fibers and ultimately contributes to the development and progression of HM.

CHST5