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Millimeter-Wave Directed Energy-Mediated Neural Cell Injury: Insights into Protein Degradation and Cell Injury
Mojtaba Golpich1, Hamad Yadikar1, Sherifdeen Onigbinde1
1Center for Neurotrauma, Multiomics & Biomarkers (CNMB), Department of Neurobiology & Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA.
Research Square
|September 15, 2025
Summary
Millimeter-wave directed energy (mmWave DE) causes cell damage in neurons, with direct exposure leading to necrosis and proteostasis collapse. These findings suggest a need to re-evaluate mmWave safety standards.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Millimeter-wave directed energy (mmWave DE) applications are expanding in telecommunications and military sectors.
- The biological effects of mmWave DE on neuronal systems are not well understood.
- Research is needed to clarify the impact of mmWave DE on neural cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatially dependent cellular and molecular effects of 34.14 GHz mmWave DE exposure.
- To use mouse neuroblastoma (N2A) cells as a model system for neuronal response.
- To characterize the impact of mmWave DE on cell morphology, viability, and molecular pathways.
Main Methods:
- N2A cells were exposed to mmWave DE for 48 hours, creating distinct exposure zones (Center, Penumbra, Control).
- Cellular responses were assessed using microscopy, MTT, LDH assays, and Western blot for protein degradation.
- Global molecular changes were analyzed via label-free LC-MS/MS proteomics, Gene Ontology, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, and Pathway Studio.
Main Results:
- Direct mmWave DE exposure (Center zone) resulted in severe cell damage, reduced viability, and necrosis.
- Increased proteolysis of cytoskeletal proteins (αII-Spectrin, Vimentin) was observed.
- Proteomic analysis revealed significant protein dysregulation affecting cytoskeleton, mitochondria, and RNA processing, with activation of stress and cell death pathways.
Conclusions:
- mmWave DE exposure induces a gradient of cellular injury, from stress adaptation to structural failure.
- Direct exposure zones exhibit proteostasis collapse and significant cell death.
- Findings suggest a need to reconsider mmWave DE safety standards and highlight links to neurodegenerative processes.
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