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Exploiting Live Imaging to Track Nuclei During Myoblast Differentiation and Fusion
Published on: April 13, 2019
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Weak Electromagnetic Fields Accelerate Fusion of Myoblasts
Dana Adler1, Zehavit Shapira2, Shimon Weiss2,3
1Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 30, 2021
Summary
Weak electromagnetic fields (WEF) accelerate myoblast fusion and myotube formation in cell cultures. This effect is linked to membrane hyperpolarization, not Kir2.1 channel activation.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Calcium (Ca2+) handling is crucial for skeletal muscle development.
- Weak electromagnetic fields (WEF) are known to influence Ca2+ handling in muscle cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of WEF on myoblast fusion and myotube formation in vitro.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms, including cell replication and membrane potential changes.
Main Methods:
- Primary rat myoblasts were cultured and exposed to WEF (1.75 µT, 16 Hz) for up to six days.
- Assessed cell fusion, creatine kinase (CK) activity, DNA synthesis (3H-thymidine incorporation), and membrane potential (di-8-ANEPPS).
- Investigated the role of Kir2.1 channels using gambogic acid.
Main Results:
- WEF significantly enhanced myoblast fusion and CK activity within the first two days of exposure.
- WEF increased cell replication, indicated by enhanced 3H-thymidine incorporation after one day.
- WEF exposure led to membrane hyperpolarization, while KCl induced depolarization.
Conclusions:
- WEF accelerates myoblast fusion and subsequent myotube formation.
- The observed effects are associated with membrane hyperpolarization.
- WEF does not appear to exert its fusion-promoting effects via Kir2.1 channel activation.
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