Frequency-Selective Terahertz Irradiation Activates Mitochondrial Biogenesis.

Area of Science:

• Mitochondrial biology
• Biophysics
• Cellular physiology

Background:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to neurodegenerative and age-related diseases.
• Therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial function are highly sought after.
• Terahertz (THz) irradiation is explored for its biological effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the frequency-specific effects of THz irradiation on mitochondrial biogenesis.
• To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of THz-induced mitochondrial modulation.
• To explore THz irradiation as a noninvasive therapeutic approach.

Main Methods:

• MitoTimer and MitoTracker assays to assess mitochondrial biogenesis.
• Electrophysiological and molecular analyses to study cellular pathways.
• Computational modeling to understand THz-biological interaction mechanisms.

Main Results:

• 34.5 THz irradiation significantly enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, unlike 36.1 THz.
• Elevated intracellular calcium flux and activation of the PGC-1α-NRF1/2-TFAM pathway were observed.
• Increased cellular energy production and oxygen consumption were documented.

Conclusions:

• THz irradiation exhibits frequency-specific modulation of mitochondrial biogenesis.
• A resonant coupling mechanism involving glutamate bonds and calcium channels explains the effect.
• Noninvasive THz irradiation presents a promising therapeutic avenue for mitochondrial dysfunction.