THz irradiation inhibits cell division by affecting actin dynamics
Shota Yamazaki1, Yuya Ueno2, Ryosuke Hosoki2
1Terahertz Sensing and Imaging Research Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
Plos One
|August 2, 2021
Summary
Terahertz (THz) irradiation halts human cell division by stabilizing the actin cytoskeleton. This terahertz wave effect on filamentous actin (F-actin) polymerization in vivo reveals a key biomechanism.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Terahertz (THz) irradiation's biological effects are increasingly reported, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown.
- Understanding how THz waves influence cellular structures and dynamics is crucial for their application in biology and medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the biomechanisms by which THz irradiation affects cellular processes.
- To investigate the impact of THz waves on cell division and cytoskeletal dynamics, specifically focusing on filamentous actin (F-actin).
Main Methods:
- Time-lapse morphological analysis of human cells.
- Observation of cell division, focusing on the cytokinesis stage and the contractile ring.
- Comparison of THz irradiation effects with chemical treatments known to affect actin polymerization.
Main Results:
- Terahertz (THz) irradiation was found to halt human cell division specifically during the cytokinesis stage.
- The contractile ring, composed of filamentous actin (F-actin), persisted for an extended period (1 hour) under THz irradiation.
- THz irradiation promoted the formation of F-actin structures in interphase cells, suggesting an enhancement of actin polymerization.
- These effects mimicked those induced by jasplakinolide, a known actin polymerization enhancer.
Conclusions:
- Terahertz (THz) irradiation significantly impacts cellular division by interfering with the normal dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton.
- The study identifies enhanced actin polymerization as a key cellular mechanism affected by THz waves in vivo.
- These findings provide critical insights into the biomechanical effects of THz irradiation on cells.
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