Light-Dependent Modulation of Heme-Associated Molecular and Redox Dynamics: A Testable Hypothesis with Relevance to Retinal Biology

This preprint presents a testable hypothesis concerning light-dependent modulation of heme-associated molecular and redox dynamics, with potential relevance to retinal biology. The proposed framework examines whether controlled spectral exposure may induce measurable, reproducible, and potentially reversible changes in selected heme-associated molecular states under defined experimental conditions. A staged validation strategy is proposed, beginning with a molecular proof of concept in a defined heme-protein model using complementary spectroscopic approaches, including Raman, FTIR, UV-visible, and, where appropriate, time-resolved spectroscopy. Only if molecular responsiveness is demonstrated should subsequent investigation examine whether analogous or functionally related effects occur in retinal cellular systems and whether they are associated with mitochondrial or redox-regulatory processes. The framework explicitly distinguishes molecular plausibility from biological relevance and therapeutic significance. It does not claim therapeutic efficacy, safety, or clinical applicability, but defines a falsifiable experimental pathway for progressive investigation from simplified molecular systems toward retinal biological research.