Low-intensity electromagnetic fields induce human cryptochrome to modulate intracellular reactive oxygen species

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2006229
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02T17:31:50Z
• Authors: Rachel M. Sherrard; Natalie Morellini; Nathalie Jourdan; Mohamed El-Esawi; Louis-David Arthaut; Christine Niessner; Francois Rouyer; Andre Klarsfeld; Mohamed Doulazmi; Jacques Witczak; Alain d’Harlingue; Jean Mariani; Ian Mclure; Carlos F. Martino; Margaret Ahmad
• Keywords: [SDV.EE.SANT]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Ecology, environment/Health; QH301-705.5; [SDV.BC.BC]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Cellular Biology/Subcellular Processes [q-bio.SC]; Cell Enlargement; 3. Good health; Cryptochromes; Mice; Electromagnetic Fields; HEK293 Cells; Magnetic Fields; Short Reports; Animals; Humans; Drosophila; Biology (General); Reactive Oxygen Species; Cell Proliferation

Exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which increasingly pollute our environment, have consequences for human health about there is continuing ignorance and debate. Whereas considerable ongoing concern their harmful effects, magnetic are at the same time being applied as therapeutic tools in regenerative medicine, oncology, orthopedics, neurology. This paradox cannot be resolved until cellular mechanisms underlying such effects identified. Here, we show by biochemical imaging experiments that exposure of mammalian cells weak pulsed (PEMFs) stimulates rapid accumulation reactive oxygen species (ROS), a potentially toxic metabolite with multiple roles stress response ageing. Following PEMF, cell growth slowed, ROS-responsive genes induced. These require presence cryptochrome, putative magnetosensor synthesizes ROS. We conclude modulation intracellular ROS via cryptochromes represents general EMFs, can account either or pathological depending on exposure. Clinically, findings provide rationale optimize low field stimulation novel applications while warning against possibility synergistic environmental agents further increase