Weak magnetic fields alter stem cell-mediated growth

Sci Adv. 2019 Jan 30;5(1):eaau7201. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aau7201. eCollection 2019 Jan.

Abstract

Biological systems are constantly exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the form of natural geomagnetic fields and EMFs emitted from technology. While strong magnetic fields are known to change chemical reaction rates and free radical concentrations, the debate remains about whether static weak magnetic fields (WMFs; <1 mT) also produce biological effects. Using the planarian regeneration model, we show that WMFs altered stem cell proliferation and subsequent differentiation via changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and downstream heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression. These data reveal that on the basis of field strength, WMF exposure can increase or decrease new tissue formation in vivo, suggesting WMFs as a potential therapeutic tool to manipulate mitotic activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Proliferation*
  • Electromagnetic Fields*
  • Free Radicals / metabolism
  • HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins / metabolism
  • Mitosis / physiology
  • Planarians / physiology*
  • RNA Interference
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Regeneration
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*

Substances

  • Free Radicals
  • HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins
  • Reactive Oxygen Species