Researchers from Kyoto University’s Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS; Japan) and Tokai University (Tokyo, Japan) have developed a novel tool that uses pulses of terahertz light to alter gene expression in stem cells – paving a new avenue for the development of stem cell research and regenerative therapy.

Their research was recently published in the journal Optics Letters.

Whilst microwaves and infrared radiation are used in many aspects of our day-to-day lives, terahertz waves, which fall in between the two in the electromagnetic spectrum, are only just beginning to be investigated.

It is thought that terahertz waves have the potential to manipulate living cells without damaging them. So far, there have been conflicting findings about their effects on cells – most likely due to issues with the way experiments have been performed.

To address these issues, the team have developed an apparatus that places the cells under investigation in tiny microwells within the same area as the terahertz light.

In their research, the team used the novel tool to investigate the effects of the radiation on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). From this, they discovered that the pulses could activate genes involved in motor neuron survival and mitochondria function, as well as genes involved in cell differentiation.

“Terahertz pulses can generate a strong electric field without touching or damaging cells,” commented study author, Hideki Hirori (iCeMS). “We tested their effect on iPSCs and discovered that the activity of some gene networks changes as a result of terahertz light exposure.”

Additionally, the team found that these gene networks were influenced by zinc-dependent transcription factors – implying that the terahertz pulses create an electric field that causes zinc ions to move inside the cells and trigger the function of transcription factors.

Taken together, these findings may help to develop a method to control specific genes in cells, allowing for the manipulation of iPSC differentiation for new regenerative therapies.

Link: https://www.regmednet.com/ipsc-differentiation-controlled-by-terahertz-pulses/