An Extremely Low-Frequency Vortex Magnetic Field Modifies Protein Expression, Rearranges the Cytoskeleton, and...

Area of Science:

• Bioelectromagnetics
• Cellular Biology
• Proteomics

Background:

• Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) are known to influence biological processes like cell phenotype and proliferation.
• Vortex magnetic fields (VMFs) represent a novel method for magnetic field exposure, potentially affecting charged biomolecules, but their impact on living systems requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of ELF-VMFs on SH-SY5Y cells using a modified Rodin's coil.
• To analyze proteomic and cellular changes induced by ELF-VMF exposure.

Main Methods:

• Exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to ELF-VMFs using a custom-designed coil.
• Proteomic analysis via 2D-differential-gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF/TOF identification.
• Validation using western blotting and characterization by confocal microscopy.

Main Results:

• 106 differentially expressed protein spots observed in exposed cells (40 downregulated, 66 upregulated).
• Affected proteins were linked to cytoskeleton and cell viability, with significant interactions found.
• Decreased cell survival, increased apoptosis, and evident cytoskeleton alterations were noted, without affecting the cell cycle.

Conclusions:

• ELF-VMFs, at specific parameters, can alter cellular proteomes and induce structural changes in cells.
• This study is the first to demonstrate VMF application as a versatile tool for biological hypothesis testing in living systems.