Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields induce neural differentiation in bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) affect numerous biological functions such as gene expression, cell fate determination and even cell differentiation. To investigate the correlation between ELF-EMF exposure and differentiation, bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were subjected to a 50-Hz electromagnetic field during in vitro expansion. The influence of ELF-EMF on BM-MSCs was analysed by a range of different analytical methods to understand its role in the enhancement of neural differentiation. ELF-EMF exposure significantly decreased the rate of proliferation, which in turn caused an increase in neuronal differentiation. The ELF-EMF-treated cells showed increased levels of neuronal differentiation marker (MAP2), while early neuronal marker (Nestin) was down-regulated. In addition, eight differentially expressed proteins were detected in two-dimensional electrophoresis maps, and were identified using ESI-Q-TOF LC/MS/MS. Among them, ferritin light chain, thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase, and tubulin β-6 chain were up-regulated in the ELF-EMF-stimulated group. Ferritin and thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase are involved in a wide variety of functions, including Ca(2+) regulation, which is a critical component of neurodegeneration. We also observed that the intracellular Ca(2+) content was significantly elevated after ELF-EMF exposure, which strengthens the modulatory role of ferritin and thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase, during differentiation. Notably, western blot analysis indicated significantly increased expression of the ferritin light chain in the ELF-EMF-stimulated group (0.60 vs. 1.08; P < 0.01). These proteins may help understand the effect of ELF-EMF stimulation on BM-MSCs during neural differentiation and its potential use as a clinically therapeutic option for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Extremely low‐frequency electromagnetic field induces neural differentiation of hBM‐MSCs through regulation of (Zn)‐metallothionein‐3

“…We have reported the effect of ELFEMF on neural differentiation in previous studies [Kim et al, 2013;Lee et al, 2015]. Consistent with those In contrast to control hBM-MSCs, which were flattened, spindle-like, and fibroblastic in nature, cells cultured in the presence of ELFEMF had neuritelike features such as being narrow, elongated, and branch-like.…”

“…We have reported the effect of ELFEMF on neural differentiation in previous studies [Kim et al, ; Lee et al, ]. Consistent with those previously published studies, we observed morphological changes in hBM–MSCs cultured in the presence of ELFEMF.…”

“…We have previously demonstrated that human bone marrow‐derived MSCs (hBM‐MSCs) can differentiate into cells with neuronal characteristics when exposed to ELFEMF. In addition, ELFEMF‐induced neural differentiation is associated with differential expression of proteins, such as ferritin, an iron‐storage protein [Kim et al, ; Lee et al, ]. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that ELFEMF exposure could affect other proteins involved in homeostatic regulation of other essential metals.…”

Neuronal differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells in response to the domain size of graphene substrates

“…Previous studies indicated that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are one of the factors that stimulate neuronal differentiation . Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a form of EMFs which is involved in electromagnetic induction by magnetic field pulses in the vicinity of a coil that changes the intensity and frequency of stimulation .…”

Effects of 915 MHz Radiofrequency Identification Electromagnetic Field Exposure on Neuronal Precursor Cells in the Dentate Gyrus of Adult Rat Brains

“…Recent in vitro studies have suggested that exposure of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells to ELF-EMF decreases their proliferation rate instead of causing an increase in both osteogenic and neuronal differentiation [12][13][14][15]. To explore the effects of RF-EMFs on cultured neuronal cells, the growth and differentiation of a standard neuronal-like cell line was studied.…”