Terahertz Waves Control Gene Expression

Japanese scientists have found that terahertz radiation, unlike ultraviolet or infrared light, can alter gene expression without harming cells.  The electromagnetic field they created especially influenced motor neurons and mitochondrial function, as could benefit some regenerative medicine therapies.  “The investigators determined that zinc-dependent transcription factors were impacting these genes; the team suggested that the electric field created by the pulses can move the zinc ions that are inside cells, which changes the activity of the genes these transcription factors affect. This work might aid in the creation of technology that can encourage iPSCs to differentiate into specific types of cells, which could enable therapies for many types of diseases.”  MORE

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