Electromagnetic Fields and Stem Cell Fate: When Physics Meets Biology

Abstract

Controlling stem cell (SC) fate is an extremely important topic in the realm of SC research. A variety of different external cues mainly mechanical, chemical, or electrical stimulations individually or in combination have been incorporated to control SC fate. Here, we will deconstruct the probable relationship between the functioning of electromagnetic (EMF) and SC fate of a variety of different SCs. The electromagnetic (EM) nature of the cells is discussed with the emphasis on the effects of EMF on the determinant factors that directly and/or indirectly influence cell fate. Based on the EM effects on a variety of cellular processes, it is believed that EMFs can be engineered to provide a controlled signal with the highest impact on the SC fate decision. Considering the novelty and broad applications of applying EMFs to change SC fate, it is necessary to shed light on many unclear mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.

Manmade Electromagnetic Fields and Oxidative Stress—Biological Effects and Consequences for Health

“…Studies on mechanisms such as those related to calcium channels are particularly informative as calcium concentration-dependent cellular responses may result in a multitude of pleiotropic effects [9]. Voltage-gated calcium channels were shown to be activated by nonthermal pulse-modulated 27 MHz RF-EMF, leading to an increase in NO [108] while nonselective calcium channels such as transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are activated by oxidative stress [109,110].…”

“…The influence of electromagnetic fields (EMF), as a manmade environmental factor with increasing importance, on ROS formation, triggering oxidative stress, has been repeatedly discussed. Corresponding hypotheses and experimental findings have been summarized and discussed in previous reviews on this topic [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. Although there is consistent evidence for EMF-induced ROS formation in experimental studies, a complete picture and a scientific consensus have not yet emerged with regard to epidemiological association and possible negative and long-term consequences for health.…”

Bioprocessing of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Derivatives: Toward Cell-Free Therapeutics

“…Exposure of MSCs to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is another strategy to influence cell behaviour as cells communicate with each other through sending and receiving electromagnetic signals [ 104 ]. In collagen-rich tissues, such as bone and cartilage, small, endogenous electric fields are produced during applied mechanical stresses [ 105 ].…”

Controlling Differentiation of Stem Cells for Developing Personalized Organ‐on‐Chip Platforms

“…The controlled introduction of external stimuli to SCs is essential to regulate the SC's fate, tune the complex dynamic microenvironment, and finally produce functional tissues. The environmental cues in nature are mostly physical, chemical, electrical, and electromagnetic, and need to be exposed to SCs via cell–cell communication, cell–ECM interactions, and paracrine/autocrine signaling . Mechanical cues need to provide biomimetic mechanical characteristics of tissues, more importantly for tissues like vessels and the lung .…”

“…Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are also known for their role in the direct or indirect regulation of the SC's fate . Several features of SCs change under external EMFs include, but are not limited to, transmembrane potential and ion concentration, reactive oxygen species, and intracellular molecular mechanisms.…”