No DNA damage response and negligible genome-wide transcriptional changes in human embryonic stem cells exposed to terahertz radiation

Citations Over TimeTop 10% of 2015 papers

Abstract

Terahertz (THz) radiation was proposed recently for use in various applications, including medical imaging and security scanners. However, there are concerns regarding the possible biological effects of non-ionising electromagnetic radiation in the THz range on cells. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are extremely sensitive to environmental stimuli, and we therefore utilised this cell model to investigate the non-thermal effects of THz irradiation. We studied DNA damage and transcriptome responses in hESCs exposed to narrow-band THz radiation (2.3 THz) under strict temperature control. The transcription of approximately 1% of genes was subtly increased following THz irradiation. Functional annotation enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed 15 functional classes, which were mostly related to mitochondria. Terahertz irradiation did not induce the formation of γH2AX foci or structural chromosomal aberrations in hESCs. We did not observe any effect on the mitotic index or morphology of the hESCs following THz exposure.

Related Papers

• Introduction to Terahertz Technology(2015)
• Research progress and trends of terahertz technology from the view of photonics(2015)
• → Towards GV/m and multiple tesla fields in the THz Gap from organic crystals(2014)
• → Terahertz Imaging Using Compact Continuous Wave Sub-Terahertz System(2010)
• → The calculation and analysis of terahertz communication system and modules(2017)